Have you ever been stuck on a simple crossword clue you can’t crack? As someone who’s been analyzing and solving crosswords for over a decade, I can tell you that even mini-puzzles present delightful challenges. Today, we’re breaking down the NYT Mini Crossword for Sunday, March 23, 2025— with complete answers and some interesting background on each clue.
Across Answers
1. Women’s World Cup team that had a rivalry with the U.S. during the 2010s. Answer: JAPAN
Japan’s women’s soccer team, nicknamed “Nadeshiko Japan,” had an intense rivalry with the United States during the 2010s. Most memorably, Japan defeated the U.S. in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup final in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The U.S. later avenged this loss by defeating Japan 5-2 in the 2015 World Cup final.
6. Napoleon’s punishment during the 1810s (twice!) Answer: EXILE
Napoleon Bonaparte faced exile twice during the 1810s. After his first defeat in 1814, he was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba. He escaped in 1815, only to be defeated at Waterloo and exiled again—this time to the remote Atlantic island of Saint Helena, where he remained until he died in 1821.
7. Component of muscle tissue Answer: FIBER
Muscle fibers are the fundamental components of muscle tissue, responsible for generating force and movement in the body. These long, cylindrical cells contract when stimulated, allowing us to perform everything from blinking an eye to running a marathon.
8. Wreck beyond repair Answer: TOTAL
When a vehicle is damaged so severely that repair costs would exceed its value, it’s declared a “total loss” or “totaled.” This terminology comes from the insurance industry but has entered the everyday language to describe anything damaged beyond reasonable repair.
9. Like the air at a hookah lounge. Answer: SMOKY
Hookah lounges are gathering places where people share flavored tobacco smoked through water pipes. The atmosphere in these establishments is characteristically smoky from the burning tobacco, creating a distinctive ambiance.
Down Answers
1. Joking remarks Answer: JESTS
Jests are playful or teasing remarks meant to amuse others. Unlike harsh sarcasm, jests typically maintain a light-hearted tone that invites others to join in the humor.
2. Statement of truth Answer: AXIOM
An axiom is a statement or proposition that is accepted as accurate without proof. In mathematics and logic, axioms serve as starting points for deriving other truths. In everyday language, we might refer to self-evident truths as axioms.
3. Kind of bean used in refried beans Answer: PINTO
Pinto beans are the traditional choice for making refried beans (frijoles refritos) in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine. These speckled beans have a creamy texture when cooked and mashed, making them perfect for this popular side dish.
4. Spring ___ (start dripping) Answer: LEAK
A spring leak refers to when water begins to drip or seep from a source, often marking the beginning of a larger plumbing issue if not addressed promptly.
5. Afresh Answer: ANEW
To start anew means to begin again with a clean slate or fresh perspective. It’s a concise way of expressing the concept of making a fresh start.
Crossword Connections
Today’s puzzle features an interesting mix of historical references (Napoleon’s exile), sports (Japan’s women’s soccer team), and everyday terminology. The five-letter answers create nice interconnections throughout the grid, with “JAPAN” and “JESTS” sharing that initial ‘J’. At the same time, “EXILE” and “AXIOM” both contain the letter X, one of the less common letters in English.
Whether you’re a crossword enthusiast or just looking for today’s solutions, I hope this helps with your Sunday puzzle routine!
