Winning — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 13, 2025)
This down clue converts a victory status into a succinct phrase. The October 13, 2025 NYT Mini expects solvers to identify a confident expression that fits cleanly into five squares.
3 Down
Winning
The phrase on top translates directly to "in the lead" or "winning." In the Mini grid, it appears as ONTOP, reflecting the standard practice of removing spaces while keeping the underlying meaning intact.
Answer Rationale
Strategic Fit
- Clue references a competitive state; "on top" is everyday language for leading.
- The contraction into ONTOP aligns with Mini conventions for multi-word phrases.
- Word Tips cemented the interpretation by highlighting synonyms like ahead and victorious.
Crosswise Assurance
- O lines up with 1-Across (KNOB) and 5-Across (NONO).
- N intersects 7-Across (IFSO), while T meets 4-Down (BOY).
- P seals with 8-Across (DEEP), validating every letter.
Winning Mindset Tips
Identify Idiomatic Phrases
Crossword clues often disguise idioms as plain definitions. Spotting that "winning" can be rephrased as "on top" unlocks the entry quickly.
Mind the Space Removal
Minis regularly drop spaces in short expressions. Reading the clue aloud helps you think of phrases that compress cleanly.
Check Symmetry
The balanced consonant-vowel pattern O-N-T-O-P passes the fairness test, providing unique letters for each crossing.
Leverage Word Tips Hints
Their progressive letter reveal (O → ON → ONT → ONTO → ONTOP) mirrors how you might fill the entry interactively, reinforcing the final solution.
Vocabulary & Usage
Synonyms
- Ahead
- Leading
- Victorious
- Triumphant
Opposites
- Behind
- Trailing
- Losing
- Second
Usage Snapshot
Sports broadcasters frequently describe teams as being "on top" when they control momentum. That same phrasing translates neatly to puzzle language.