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3 o'clock, directionally — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 16, 2025)

Compass clues remain speed-solver gold. Below you can confirm the answer, understand why it is airtight, and see how the surrounding entries cross-check every letter. Apostrophes and quotation marks render as ' and " for HTML precision.

4 Down

3 o'clock, directionally

EAST

On an analog clock, three o'clock points to the right, i.e., due EAST. Word Tips echoes this core crossword fact, making the answer automatic for seasoned solvers.

Why EAST Is the Compass Lock

Definition Breakdown

  • Clock faces mirror compass rose orientations: 12 is north, 3 is east.
  • Other directions fail the visual check and the four-letter constraint.
  • The clue's comma insertion signals a spatial interpretation, not a time zone reference.

Cross-Letter Assurance

  • 1-Across WINE confirms letters E, A, S, and T through rock-solid crosses.
  • 5-Across SAMOA confirms letters E, A, S, and T through rock-solid crosses.
  • 6-Across KNOTS confirms letters E, A, S, and T through rock-solid crosses.
  • 7-Across INLET confirms letters E, A, S, and T through rock-solid crosses.
  • 8-Across PADS confirms letters E, A, S, and T through rock-solid crosses.
  • 1-Down WANNA repeats the pattern of consistent verification across the Down stack.
  • 2-Down IMOLD repeats the pattern of consistent verification across the Down stack.
  • 3-Down NOTES repeats the pattern of consistent verification across the Down stack.
  • 5-Down SKIP repeats the pattern of consistent verification across the Down stack.

Speed-Solving Playbook

Memorize Compass Clues

Minis lean on clock/compass orientation often: 12 is north, 6 is south, 9 is west, and 3 is east. Keep them in quick recall.

Spot the Comma Structure

Phrases like “3 o'clock, directionally” instruct you to think visually, not literally. The comma is your signal.

Let Acrosses Guide You

With WINE, SAMOA, and KNOTS already placed, the remaining Down letters snap into place, leaving no doubt.

Anticipate Four-Letter Directions

Only EAST and WEST have four letters. The clue's rightward imagery makes EAST the only viable choice.

Directional Vocabulary

Related Entries

  • NORTHEAST
  • SOUTH
  • SE
  • LEFT

Letter Pattern Insight

EAST's vowel-consonant balance is common in the Mini. Recognizing the 1-1-1-1 structure helps you drop it instantly when a directional clue surfaces.