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Mini #280 · Tuesday

Our Mini Crossword Hints — July 7, 2026

Step-by-step hints for Mini #280, our own daily mini crossword. Looking for the New York Times Mini? That’s a different puzzle, published on nytimes.com.

Play puzzle firstAnswer key
All hints
10 clues
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Across

1 Across: The actors in a play or movieHint
  1. Hint 1: Think about the world of theater and film when reading this clue.
  2. Hint 2: This word refers to the whole group of performers assembled for a production.
  3. Hint 3: It means the group of actors in a show, and it starts with C.
5 Across: Jolly figure in a red suitHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a holiday-themed clue about a beloved winter character.
  2. Hint 2: He's known for delivering presents on Christmas Eve and wearing a big red outfit.
  3. Hint 3: This jolly gift-giver's name starts with S.
6 Across: Colorless gas used in light bulbsHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a chemistry-related clue about elements used in everyday objects.
  2. Hint 2: This noble gas is often used to fill light bulbs because it doesn't react with the filament.
  3. Hint 3: This element's name starts with A and is used in incandescent bulbs.
7 Across: Staggers, as from dizzinessHint
  1. Hint 1: Think about what happens to your balance when you feel woozy.
  2. Hint 2: This word describes an unsteady, swaying motion like someone who's lightheaded.
  3. Hint 3: It means to stagger or sway, and it starts with R.
8 Across: Small islandHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a geography term for a small landmass.
  2. Hint 2: Think of a tiny piece of land completely surrounded by water.
  3. Hint 3: It means a small island, and it starts with I.

Down

1 Down: Looks after, with 'for'Hint
  1. Hint 1: This phrase is about showing concern or responsibility for someone.
  2. Hint 2: When paired with 'for', it means to take care of or look after someone.
  3. Hint 3: It means looks after, and it starts with C.
2 Down: Winged heavenly beingHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a clue about a religious or mythical figure often depicted with wings.
  2. Hint 2: Think of a heavenly messenger often shown in art with wings and a halo.
  3. Hint 3: It means a winged heavenly being, and it starts with A.
3 Down: Swiped, or a fur wrap?Hint
  1. Hint 1: This clue has a double meaning involving theft and fashion.
  2. Hint 2: It can mean took something without permission, or a long fur wrap worn over the shoulders.
  3. Hint 3: It means swiped or a fur wrap, and it starts with S.
4 Down: Deepens in color at the beachHint
  1. Hint 1: This is about what happens to your skin after time in the sun.
  2. Hint 2: Think of the bronzing effect the sun gives your skin at the beach.
  3. Hint 3: It means deepens in color from sun exposure, and it starts with T.
5 Down: Elegant garment of IndiaHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a clue about traditional clothing from South Asia.
  2. Hint 2: Think of a long, flowing garment traditionally worn by women in India.
  3. Hint 3: It means an elegant Indian garment, and it starts with S.

Use hints slowly

Reveal the first hint, try the grid again, then come back only if the crossing letters still do not move.

See answers

Before you open a hint

Mini #280 has ten clues, so this page holds 30 hints. Hint 1 points you at the idea, hint 2 narrows it down, and hint 3 all but gives it away. On this date, all ten third hints name the answer's first letter.

Short answers have the fewest possible fills, so they make a good start. The four-letter slots are 1-Across, 8-Across, 4-Down and 5-Down; the five-letter slots are 5-Across, 6-Across, 7-Across, 1-Down, 2-Down and 3-Down.

Clues to try first

  • 3-Down, “Swiped, or a fur wrap?”, ends in a question mark, which in crosswords usually signals wordplay.
  • Some clues lean on a name or title, such as 5-Down, “Elegant garment of India”; if one is unfamiliar, work its crossing answers first.

More for July 7, 2026

Rather see the grid first? Play Mini #280. When you're done, the answer key reveals one answer at a time, and the printable copy is there for paper solvers. The day after, Mini #281 (July 8, 2026), opens with 1-Across, “Sets one's sights (on)”.

July 7, 2026 Mini Crossword hints FAQ

Are these hints for the July 7, 2026 Mini Crossword?
Yes. Every clue on this page is from our own July 7, 2026 puzzle, with three hints each, from a gentle nudge to a strong push. The answers themselves are on the answer key page.
Is this the NYT Mini hints page?
No. This is an independent daily mini crossword. It is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by, or endorsed by The New York Times.
What is the difference between hints and the answer key?
Hints move you toward the answer one step at a time so you can still solve it yourself. If you want to see a solution outright, the answer key at /answers/2026-07-07 reveals one answer at a time.