Solve The NYT Mini Crossword: March 31 Answers

Rajiv Sharma

3 min read

Post on May 20, 2025

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Across Clues & Answers for the NYT Mini Crossword March 31

Here's a breakdown of the across clues for the March 31st NYT Mini Crossword, along with their answers and explanations to help you understand the wordplay.

Clue 1: [Assume the role of] - Answer: PLAY

• Explanation: This clue is a simple synonym. "Assume the role of" means to act or behave as if one is someone else, fitting perfectly with the word "play."
• Related Keywords: act, pretend, impersonate, role, perform, verb, synonym

Clue 2: [Opposite of "down"] - Answer: UP

• Explanation: This is a straightforward antonym clue. The opposite of "down" is "up".
• Related Keywords: above, high, vertical, antonym, opposite, preposition

Clue 3: [A type of feline] - Answer: CAT

• Explanation: This clue directly refers to a common type of domestic animal.
• Related Keywords: kitten, kitty, pet, animal, mammal, feline, noun

Clue 4: [Make amends] - Answer: ATONE

• Explanation: "Atone" means to make amends or reparation for a wrong.
• Related Keywords: repent, reconcile, compensate, repair, redeem, verb

Clue 5: [Sound of a sheep] - Answer: BAA

• Explanation: This is an onomatopoeia clue, representing the sound a sheep makes.
• Related Keywords: bleat, animal sound, onomatopoeia, noun

Down Clues & Answers for the NYT Mini Crossword March 31

Now let's tackle the down clues for the March 31st NYT Mini Crossword puzzle.

Clue 1: [Not off] - Answer: ON

• Explanation: This clue uses a simple antonym. The opposite of "off" is "on."
• Related Keywords: active, switched on, engaged, antonym, adverb, preposition

Clue 2: [Type of tree] - Answer: OAK

• Explanation: This clue points to a specific kind of tree.
• Related Keywords: wood, forest, nature, plant, tree species, noun

Clue 3: [Opposite of "win"] - Answer: LOSE

• Explanation: This is another straightforward antonym clue. The opposite of "win" is "lose."
• Related Keywords: defeat, fail, forfeit, antonym, verb

Clue 4: [A small dog] - Answer: PUP

• Explanation: This clue refers to a young dog.
• Related Keywords: puppy, canine, pet, animal, mammal, noun

Clue 5: [A way to travel] - Answer: BY

• Explanation: "By" can indicate a method of travel, like "by car" or "by plane".
• Related Keywords: via, through, means, method, preposition

Tips and Tricks for Solving the NYT Mini Crossword

Solving crossword puzzles can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you improve:

• Start with the easier clues: Begin with clues you find straightforward. This will give you a foundation to work from.
• Look for intersecting letters: Use already-solved letters to help deduce answers for other clues. This is a crucial crossword strategy.
• Consider different word meanings: Some clues may have multiple meanings or play on words. Don't be afraid to think outside the box!
• Use online resources (sparingly!): If you’re utterly stuck, consider using a crossword solver but only as a last resort. Try to solve independently first to improve your skills.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide helped you solve the NYT Mini Crossword for March 31st! Remember, practicing regularly will significantly improve your crossword solving skills. Check back tomorrow for more help with the next NYT Mini Crossword! Good luck and happy puzzling! Need help with future puzzles? Search for "[Month] [Day] NYT Mini Crossword Answers" for assistance. For example, search "April 1 NYT Mini Crossword Answers" for tomorrow's puzzle.