The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a quick and engaging puzzle experience, a contrast to its larger, more time-consuming sibling. For many, it’s a daily mental sprint, a test of speed and wit against a handful of cleverly crafted clues. However, even seasoned players can encounter a clue that halts their momentum, leading to a moment of head-scratching frustration. If you found yourself puzzled by a particular clue in today’s Mini, specifically “Cat pose or downward dog, in 1-Across”, you’re not alone.
Today’s Mini Crossword, like many before it, presented a mix of straightforward and slightly more enigmatic clues. Among the “Down” clues, “Cat pose or downward dog, in 1-Across” stood out for those less familiar with yoga terminology. The answer, Asana, might not be immediately obvious unless you have some knowledge of yoga. Asana is a Sanskrit term that broadly refers to a posture or pose in yoga. Both “cat pose” and “downward dog” are indeed asanas, fundamental poses within yoga practice. This clue cleverly bridges the world of yoga with the wordplay of a crossword.
To provide a complete picture of today’s Mini Crossword and ensure you’re fully equipped for your next puzzle challenge, here are all the clues and answers from the Sunday, April 21, 2024 edition:
Across
Form of exercise that originated in ancient India
- The answer is Yoga.
“Am not!” comeback
- The answer is Are so.
Music associated with this hand gesture: 🤘
- The answer is Metal.
BAM! or BOINK! or BZZT!
- The answer is Sound.
Places for body treatments
- The answer is Spas.
Down
Sweet potato lookalikes
The answer is Yams.
Cookies with a Space Dunk variety launched in 2024
- The answer is Oreos.
“Out of bed! You’ll be late!”
- The answer is Get up.
Cat pose or downward dog, in 1-Across
- The answer is Asana.
Teen’s slangy term for their parents, with “the”
- The answer is Olds.
Cracking a tricky clue like “Cat pose or downward dog, in 1-Across” can be incredibly satisfying. It highlights the diverse knowledge that crosswords draw upon, from pop culture to ancient languages and physical practices like yoga. Whether you’re a seasoned crossword solver or a casual player, the NYT Mini Crossword provides a daily dose of mental exercise and a rewarding sense of accomplishment when you fill in that final square.
