【Female Instructor’s Strange Private Lesson (2025)】

The Female Instructor’s Strange Private Lesson (2025)Mini 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 Saturday, May 17, 2025:

Across

"Link in ___" (promotional catchphrase on social media)

• The answer is Bio.

They're ground in a coffee grinder

• The answer is Beans.

Bike riders' headwear

• The answer is Helmets.

Variety of tomato whose name is also a meat

• The answer is Beefsteak.

Shoe spec that describes this puzzle?

• The answer is Extra wide.

"Cha-ching, nothin' to it!"

• The answer is Easy money.

Down

Church spot where bats hang out

• The answer is Belfry.

The first three words of "Green Eggs and Ham," straight from the narrator

• The answer is I am Sam.

Boxing punch combo

• The answer is One two.

Purple slices in a salad

• The answer is Beets.

Oktoberfest glass

• The answer is Stein.

Prefix with decimal, in coding

• The answer is Hexa.

One-named hit singer with 1985's "Smooth Operator"

• The answer is Sade.

Spelling ___

• The answer is Bee.

Paper with the answers

• The answer is Key.

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.