- Solving the Sept. 3 Puzzle: Today’s 5×5 grid features a few pop culture nods, including famous lyrics from the Cha-Cha Slide and a clever self-referential clue.
- Key Answers for Today: The main across answers are LETBE and KNEES, while critical down clues include the Greek god EROS and the traditional holiday treat LATKE.
The New York Times Mini Crossword remains a great daily break for word game fans looking for a quick mental refresh. Designed to be finished in under two minutes by experienced players, the 5×5 grid often fits a lot of trivia into its small space. Today’s puzzle, released on September 3, 2026, is a fun one, covering everything from Greek mythology to early 2000s dance hits. If you are stuck on a specific corner or just want to check your work, we have the full list of clues and answers below.
Across Clues and Solutions for September 3
The horizontal clues in today’s puzzle provide a mix of synonyms and a specific musical reference you’ll likely recognize. To see how today’s difficulty stacks up against yesterday’s, you might want to look at the NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today: Wednesday, September 2 for a quick recap of recent patterns.
1-Across: Leave alone (LETBE)
A simple phrase for letting something stay exactly as it is without interference.
6-Across: Vehemently dislike (ABHOR)
This five-letter word describes a feeling of deep hate or disgust, filling the top-middle section of the grid.
7-Across: Middle section of the body (TORSO)
Referring to the human trunk, this anatomical term is a frequent crossword staple because of its helpful vowels.
8-Across: “Hands on your ___! Hands on your ___!” (KNEES)
This clue pulls from the famous lyrics in DJ Casper’s “Cha-Cha Slide.” For those curious about the song’s origins, it was created by DJ Casper (born Willie Perry Jr.) in 1998. The track actually began as a step aerobics routine for his nephew’s fitness class before being released as a single in 2000 and becoming a staple at weddings and sporting events.
9-Across: Iris’s place (EYE)
A direct anatomical clue for the colored part of the eye.
Down Clues and Solutions for September 3
The vertical clues offer some fun trivia today, including a phonetic pun and a “meta” clue that references its own spot in the grid. If the down clues were tough today, you can also check out the NYT Mini Crossword Answers Today: Tuesday, September 1 to see how your solving speed has improved over the last 48 hours.
1-Down: Crispy treat during Hanukkah (LATKE)
Having this holiday food show up in a September puzzle is an interesting choice. In 2026, Hanukkah starts on the evening of December 4. Traditionally, latkes are made from grated potatoes and fried in oil, representing the miracle of the oil in the Hanukkah story.
2-Down: Expensive dark wood (EBONY)
Ebony is prized for its deep black color and high density. It is one of the few woods heavy enough to sink in water. This property, along with its smooth texture, makes it a go-to material for piano keys and carving.
3-Down: This clue’s number (THREE)
A classic meta crossword clue where the answer is just the number assigned to the clue itself.
4-Down: Big name in portable speakers (BOSE)
Referring to the Bose Corporation, founded by Amar Bose in 1964. The company is well-known for its noise-canceling technology and high-end audio gear.
5-Down: Greek god who shoots (and sounds like!) arrows (EROS)
This is a play on words based on phonetic similarity. Eros is the Greek god of love, usually shown with a bow. “Eros” sounds quite a bit like “Arrows,” providing a hint for the solver. If you like this kind of wordplay, take a look at the NYT Strands Hints & Answers Today: Sept 2 Puzzle #913, which often uses similar themes.
For players who want to practice or use the digital grid, you can visit the NYT Games official page to track your best times and see how you rank on the leaderboard.
