About these answers
Mini #361's ten answers fill 21 white squares, and every one of them is crossed, so each letter belongs to one Across and one Down answer. The longest answers are BEEPS (4-Across), LATTE (6-Across), TRAIT (7-Across), HEART (1-Down), METAL (2-Down) and OPTIC (3-Down), at five letters; the shortest are HMO (1-Across), TLC (8-Across), BLT (4-Down) and SET (5-Down).
The grid uses thirteen different letters. The most common is T, in five squares, and 7 of the 21 squares hold a vowel (A, E, I, O or U). There’s no J, Q, X or Z in it.
The trickier clues, explained
- 5-Down, “Ready, ___, go!”: the blank is SET, giving “Ready, SET, go!”.
- 1-Across, “Managed-care plan, in brief”: the short form is HMO.
- 8-Across, “Tender loving care, in brief”: the short form is TLC.
- 4-Down, “Sandwich with bacon, in brief”: the short form is BLT.
More for September 26, 2026
Only need a nudge? The hints for September 26, 2026 keep answers hidden and give three hints per clue. You can also play Mini #361 or print it. Neighbouring keys: September 25, 2026.