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Mini Crossword Hints — September 14, 2026

Open one clue at a time. Each row moves from gentle nudge to stronger help without revealing the full answer.

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All hints
10 clues
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Across

1 Across: Sound after a big drink of sodaHint
  1. Hint 1: Think about the noise your body might make after fizzy drinks.
  2. Hint 2: It's an impolite little burst of air escaping upward, often followed by an 'excuse me'.
  3. Hint 3: This is a short, involuntary noise from swallowing air, and it starts with B.
5 Across: Paddle-powered boatHint
  1. Hint 1: This is a type of small watercraft you move yourself.
  2. Hint 2: You don't use a motor or sail—you use a single-bladed paddle while kneeling or sitting low.
  3. Hint 3: It's a narrow, lightweight boat propelled by paddling, and it starts with C.
6 Across: Spot where a couple says 'I do'Hint
  1. Hint 1: Think about a traditional wedding ceremony setting.
  2. Hint 2: It's the raised platform or structure at the front of a church where vows are exchanged.
  3. Hint 3: This is the sacred spot couples stand at to get married, and it starts with A.
7 Across: Smug little smileHint
  1. Hint 1: This describes a facial expression showing self-satisfaction.
  2. Hint 2: It's not a warm smile—it's the kind of sly grin someone gives when they know something you don't.
  3. Hint 3: This is a conceited, knowing kind of smile, and it starts with S.
8 Across: Body parts protected by eyelidsHint
  1. Hint 1: Think about which body parts have a built-in protective flap.
  2. Hint 2: These are the organs you use to see, and blinking helps shield them from dust.
  3. Hint 3: These are your organs of sight, and the word starts with E.

Down

1 Down: Pleasantly warm, as weatherHint
  1. Hint 1: This word describes comfortable outdoor temperatures.
  2. Hint 2: Think of a gentle, mild breeze on a spring day—not too hot, not too cold.
  3. Hint 3: This means pleasantly mild in temperature, and it starts with B.
2 Down: Undo, as shoelacesHint
  1. Hint 1: This is the opposite of tying something up.
  2. Hint 2: You'd do this to your sneakers before taking them off.
  3. Hint 3: This means to loosen or unfasten laces, and it starts with U.
3 Down: Lion's mighty soundsHint
  1. Hint 1: Think about the loud sound a big jungle cat makes.
  2. Hint 2: This is the powerful vocalization associated with the 'king of the jungle'.
  3. Hint 3: These are the loud, fierce sounds lions make, and the word starts with R.
4 Down: Job benefit like health insuranceHint
  1. Hint 1: This is something extra you get from your workplace beyond your paycheck.
  2. Hint 2: Health insurance or a gym membership might count as this kind of bonus.
  3. Hint 3: This is an extra employment advantage besides salary, and it starts with P.
5 Down: Detective's assignmentHint
  1. Hint 1: This is what a private investigator works on.
  2. Hint 2: Think of a specific investigation or file a detective is trying to solve.
  3. Hint 3: This is the matter or file a sleuth is assigned to solve, and it starts with C.

Use hints slowly

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

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September 14, 2026 Mini Crossword hints FAQ

Are these hints for the September 14, 2026 Mini Crossword?
Yes. Every clue on this page is for the September 14, 2026 puzzle, with three progressive hints each — from a gentle nudge to a stronger push, but never the full answer.
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/2026-09-14 reveals one answer at a time.