Skip to main content

The Da Vinci Code author Brown — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 18, 2025)

Word Tips lays out three nudges: the karate belt rank, an anagram of "and," and the director Dan Levy. Together they confirm that the answer is DAN. We keep the explanation conversational, so you can recall the author immediately instead of pausing to think about Robert Langdon. Apostrophes show as ' and quotation marks as " to keep the markup valid.

10 Across

The Da Vinci Code author Brown

DAN

The clue references global bestseller author Dan Brown. Word Tips ties it back to the martial arts rank dan and the scrambled letters AND. In a three letter slot, DAN is the only choice that checks the cross letters while keeping the clue's capitalized surname satisfied.

Crossing Safety Net

  • 4-Down UPDRAFT keeps the N and A grounded, so you do not chase variations like DON or DEN.
  • 5-Down GRAMMYS keeps the N and A grounded, so you do not chase variations like DON or DEN.
  • 6-Down GENY keeps the N and A grounded, so you do not chase variations like DON or DEN.

Solver Cheat Sheet

Meaning Hint

Dan Brown authored "The Da Vinci Code," making the first name Dan your target fill.

Anagram Prompt

"and" rearranged spells DAN, a fast way to check the letters before you lock them in.

Alternate Cue

Expect future clues like "Good Grief director Levy" or "Karate rank." They all point to DAN.

Solve Smart

When a clue capitalizes a surname like Brown and references pop culture, plug in DAN immediately and verify with the crosses listed above.