【Down Town】

The Down TownMini 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 Monday, March 31, 2025:

Across

Call from an unknown number, often

• The answer is Spam.

Where a dog might like to be scratched

• The answer is Belly.

Look forward to

• The answer is Await.

Shell that can be played as a wind instrument

• The answer is Conch.

Patella's place

• The answer is Knee.

Down

Affix, as a patch

• The answer is Sew on (no space).

Maker of connections

• The answer is Plane.

One going down a literary rabbit hole?

• The answer is Alice.

"The Great Wall of China is visible from space," for one

• The answer is Myth.

Where a human might like to be scratched

• The answer is Back.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!Check out our games hubfor Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

(Editor: {typename type="name"/})