NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 12A - Had a fancy meal

Answer: DINED

5 letters

Clue Breakdown

The verb tense is your anchor. "Had a fancy meal" is a simple past construction, so look for a past-tense verb synonymous with eating ceremoniously or enjoying a special dinner. DINED fits perfectly, capturing the elevated tone implied by "fancy."

The Mini often uses broad culinary cues—terms like ATE, SUPPED, or FEASTED—yet the five-letter enumeration narrows the field. DINED lands in the sweet spot between elegance and brevity, aligning with the puzzle's accessible language.

Why DINED Works

Five letters match the target pattern.
Accurately reflects the clue's past-tense phrasing.
Crosses with OPENER, SOTS, ODOR, and CANNES confirm every consonant-vowel slot.

Dinner Table Context

Diners might dress up, enjoy multi-course service, or celebrate an occasion—elements that align with the clue's hint of formality. Crossword constructors lean on this word because it evokes a sense of occasion without requiring niche vocabulary.

Solving Tips

Check verb tense clues carefully; matching tense is essential in quick fills.
Keep a list of common past-tense dining verbs (ATE, ATE OUT, DINED, FEASTED) for fast options.
Trust vowels supplied by crossings—DINED uses only one unique vowel (I), simplifying elimination of alternatives.

← Back to October 11, 2025 Puzzle

NYT Mini October 11, 2025: 12A - Had a fancy meal

Answer: DINED

Clue Breakdown

Why DINED Works

Dinner Table Context

Solving Tips

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