【Monica Swinn】

The Monica SwinnMini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023:

Across

Instruction when paying with a chip-based credit card

• The answer is tap.

Three-piece band

• The answer is trio.

Layer beneath a hoodie

• The answer is shirt.

Really acts (it up)

• The answer is hams.

Belonging to that guy

• The answer is his.

Down

Cuts off a bit of hair ... as seen in the circled letters?

The answer is trims.

Puts on TV

• The answer is airs.

Something placed under a leaking ceiling, perhaps

• The answer is pot.

Cuisine with green curry

• The answer is thai.

"Keep it down!"

The answer is shh.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

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