**The Mini: A Brief and Enjoyable Overview of the NYT Crossword**
[The Mini](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) serves as a condensed edition of *The New York Times*’ renowned daily crossword puzzle. Unlike the complete crossword that requires time, skill, and perseverance, The Mini provides a more casual, quicker challenge.
Featuring only a handful of clues, The Mini has gained popularity among those who relish the thrill of racing against the clock. Yet, stumbling upon a challenging clue can interrupt the rhythm and cause some annoyance. Should you find yourself at a standstill — similar to the experience with [Wordle](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-5-2024) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-5-2024) — don’t fret, we’re here to assist.
—
### Clues and Solutions for NYT’s The Mini (Saturday, December 7, 2024)
#### **Across**
1. **Topper for a gift package**
**Answer:** Bow
2. **Name that rearranges to CABLE**
**Answer:** Caleb
3. **Notable limb in a Rosie the Riveter illustration**
**Answer:** Forearm
4. **Commonly, in verse**
**Answer:** Oft
5. **Type of fish found in a Japanese garden pond**
**Answer:** Koi
6. **Elusive special “something”**
**Answer:** X Factor
7. **Diminished like the ocean receding**
**Answer:** Ebbed
8. **Assignment for English students**
**Answer:** Essay
—
#### **Down**
1. **Tabs for drinks at a bar**
**Answer:** Bar tabs
2. **Cheer at the World Cup**
**Answer:** Ole
3. **Diluted argument, in colloquial terms**
**Answer:** Weak tea
4. **___ badging (swiping in at work prior to working from home)**
**Answer:** Coffee
5. **Sad and deep in contemplation**
**Answer:** Broody
6. **Sly animal**
**Answer:** Fox
7. **Space station from the Soviet era**
**Answer:** Mir
8. **Network airing “Survivor”**
**Answer:** CBS
—
### Seeking Additional Games?
If you’re interested in more puzzles, Mashable has various options for you! Explore our [games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, complimentary crosswords, and much more.
—
### Featured Video: NYT’s Head of Games on Wordle Strategies
Want to know how the professionals tackle Wordle? Check out the video below to discover the strategies employed by *The New York Times*’ Head of Games.
—
### Extra Tips
– **Engaging with NYT Strands?** [Access hints and solutions for today’s Strands here](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-6).
– **Missed the previous day’s Mini Crossword?** [Locating the solution here](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-6-2024).
Happy puzzling!