**The Mini: A Brief and Enjoyable Overview of The New York Times Crossword**
[The Mini](https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords/game/mini) represents a streamlined version of *The New York Times*’ legendary daily crossword. In contrast to the extensive crossword that requires a greater investment of time and challenges both your knowledge and endurance, The Mini presents a quicker, more dynamic experience filled with a unique vibe.
With only a handful of clues to decipher, The Mini has gained popularity among speed aficionados who strive to finish it in record time. Nonetheless, a challenging clue can disrupt your flow, leading to moments of frustration! If you find yourself at a standstill — akin to [Wordle](https://mashable.com/article/wordle-today-answer-december-13-2024) or [Connections](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-connections-hint-answer-today-december-13-2024) — don’t fret, we’re here to assist you.
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### Clues and Answers for NYT’s The Mini – Friday, December 13, 2024
#### **Across**
1. **”Live ___” (longtime Taco Bell motto)**
**Answer:** *Mas*
2. **Rider’s attire**
**Answer:** *Silks*
3. **”Abso-freakin’-lutely!”**
**Answer:** *Hell yes*
4. **Horned creature in Yellowstone National Park**
**Answer:** *Elk*
5. **Twenty-sided object for tabletop gaming**
**Answer:** *Die*
6. **Bordeaux or Burgundy**
**Answer:** *Red wine*
7. **Like a suave individual**
**Answer:** *Suave*
8. **Green substance added to the Chicago River on St. Patrick’s Day**
**Answer:** *Dye*
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### **SEE ALSO:**
[Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Explore games on Mashable](https://games.mashable.com/)
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#### **Down**
1. **Chewy chocolate treat in a yellow packaging**
**Answer:** *Milk Dud*
2. **100%**
**Answer:** *All*
3. **Take a significant leap of faith, perhaps**
**Answer:** *Skydive*
4. **Tennis legend Monica with a symmetric surname**
**Answer:** *Seles*
5. **Waterway that winds through Paris**
**Answer:** *Seine*
6. **”Do you comprehend?”**
**Answer:** *See*
7. **Route**
**Answer:** *Way*
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### In Search of More Puzzles?
If you’re interested in additional brain challenges, visit [Mashable’s games hub](https://games.mashable.com/) for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crosswords, and beyond.
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### Featured Video:
**The Wordle Strategy Employed by The New York Times’ Head of Games**
Watch the video below for strategies and insights on Wordle and other puzzles.
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### Bonus Content:
Are you also tackling NYT Strands? [Discover today’s hints and answers for Strands](https://mashable.com/article/strands-nyt-hint-december-13).
Missed a day? [Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Mini Crossword](https://mashable.com/article/nyt-mini-crossword-answers-hints-december-13-2024).