Hints for the November 7, 2026 mini crossword

Across

1. 1 Across Grate remains? (3 letters)

   Hint 1

   Here a "grate" is the metal rack in a fireplace, not a cheese tool.

   Hint 2

   Think of what's left behind after the logs burn down.

   Hint 3

   Gray, powdery leftover from a fire: 3 letters, starts with A.

2. 4 Across Sideline boss with a headset (5 letters)

   Hint 1

   Think about who stands on the football sideline calling the shots.

   Hint 2

   This team leader runs practices and calls plays into a headset.

   Hint 3

   5 letters, starts with C; also a word for an airline's economy class.

3. 7 Across Party game with forbidden words (5 letters)

   Hint 1

   It's a party game where you get your team to guess a word.

   Hint 2

   The twist: each card lists words you're not allowed to say while giving clues.

   Hint 3

   5 letters, starts with T; the name also means "socially off-limits."

4. 8 Across Be stingy with the guac, say (5 letters)

   Hint 1

   Think of a cheap restaurant giving you a tiny scoop of avocado dip.

   Hint 2

   The verb means to give too little or cut corners on amounts.

   Hint 3

   5 letters, starts with S, rhymes with "limp."

5. 9 Across Graphic ___ (printed shirt) (3 letters)

   Hint 1

   A "graphic" version of this is a casual top with a printed design.

   Hint 2

   It's a short, casual name for a T-shirt; golfers also use one.

   Hint 3

   3 letters, sounds just like the 20th letter of the alphabet.

Down

1. 1 Down Random ___ of kindness (4 letters)

   Hint 1

   The phrase describes small, unplanned good turns done for strangers.

   Hint 2

   The blank is a plural noun meaning 'deeds' or 'things done.'

   Hint 3

   Four letters, starts with A: it's also what a play is divided into.

2. 2 Down ___ up the sun (4 letters)

   Hint 1

   The phrase means to bask lazily in sunshine.

   Hint 2

   Think of a verb for absorbing, like a sponge in water.

   Hint 3

   4 letters, starts with S, rhymes with "cloak."

3. 3 Down Creature of ___ (5 letters)

   Hint 1

   A "creature of ___" is someone who loves their routine.

   Hint 2

   The missing word is something you do over and over without thinking.

   Hint 3

   5 letters, starts with H; it's also the name of a nun's robe.

4. 5 Down "___ on down!" (game show call) (4 letters)

   Hint 1

   Think of the famous shout on The Price Is Right.

   Hint 2

   The announcer calls out a name from the audience and tells that person to head to the stage.

   Hint 3

   Four letters, starts with C: the opposite of 'go.'

5. 6 Down Bob of USO comedy tours (4 letters)

   Hint 1

   Think of a legendary comedian who spent decades entertaining U.S. troops.

   Hint 2

   His theme song was "Thanks for the Memory," and he hosted the Oscars many times.

   Hint 3

   His last name is also a word for an optimistic wish: 4 letters, starts with H.

Still stuck?

In the puzzle, open Hints to see these same hints one at a time for the clue you are on, or to check and reveal letters. To check a single answer without spoiling the rest, see the answers for November 7, 2026. Every past puzzle is free in the archive, and today's hints are always at the same address.