About these answers
Mini #396's ten answers fill 23 white squares, and every one of them is crossed, so each letter belongs to one Across and one Down answer. The longest answers are UHAUL (5-Across), RABBI (7-Across), TREES (8-Across), OHARE (2-Down), LABEL (3-Down) and TUBES (4-Down), at five letters; the shortest are COLT (1-Across), ELSA (9-Across), CURT (1-Down) and LISA (6-Down).
The grid uses twelve different letters. The most common are A, E and L, in three squares each, and 10 of the 23 squares hold a vowel (A, E, I, O or U). There’s no J, Q, X or Z in it.
The trickier clues, explained
- 6-Down, “Mona ___ (da Vinci painting)”: the blank is LISA, giving “Mona LISA (da Vinci painting)”.
More for October 31, 2026
Only need a nudge? The hints for October 31, 2026 keep answers hidden and give three hints per clue. You can also play Mini #396 or print it. Neighbouring keys: October 30, 2026.