Butter _ — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 13, 2025)
Fill-in-the-blank clues are Mini mainstays. This down entry highlights a kitchen essential with a direct, familiar answer that every solver should know.
1 Down
Butter _
The blank calls for KNIFE, completing the everyday utensil "butter knife." Its rounded edge makes it ideal for spreading without tearing soft breads, making this answer beloved in both crosswords and kitchens.
Reasoning & Confirmations
Clue Interpretation
- The clue presents a common household phrase; no trickery involved.
- Word Tips hinted at synonyms like "cutting tool" and referenced "Door opener" as another clue, reinforcing the utensil theme.
- Classic fill-in-the-blank structure points to concise, well-known objects or phrases.
Cross Support
- K crosses 1-Across ("Door handle" → KNOB) for instant confirmation.
- N connects with 5-Across, while I and F sync with 6-Across and 7-Across respectively.
- E anchors with 8-Across ("Profound" → DEEP), making the fill airtight.
Solver's Toolkit
Leverage Common Phrases
Fill-in-the-blank clues almost always reference well-known expressions or idioms. Trust your first instinct if it fits the letter count.
Check Word Length
With five tiles to fill, KNIFE emerges as the only plausible household object; alternatives like SPREADER are too long for the grid.
Use Vocabulary Familiarity
The Mini often relies on vocabulary accessible to all solvers. Recognizing kitchen tools quickly reduces solve time.
Note Crossword Staples
KNIFE, FORK, and SPOON appear repeatedly across puzzle varieties. Storing these staples in memory helps in speed-solving.
Kitchen Vocabulary Spotlight
Related Terms
- Spreader
- Butter dish
- Patisserie knife
- Cheese knife
Usage Context
Butter knives are standard in table settings, making them ideal entries for early crossword clues that aim to warm solvers up.
Letter Breakdown
The consonant cluster KN mirrors the start of related entries like KNOB, aligning nicely with the cross-lattice of this puzzle.