Tool in a grooming kit — NYT Mini Crossword Clue (October 18, 2025)
Word Tips spells out the everyday definition: a strip with teeth used to untangle hair. That tells you the entry is COMB. This recap keeps things conversational so you immediately visualize brushing through knots. All apostrophes display as ' and quotation marks as " to maintain valid HTML.
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Tool in a grooming kit
The answer is a workhorse fill. Any personal care clue that mentions untangling is pointing at a comb. Word Tips backs it up with synonyms like groom and disentangle, so the four letter entry lands without hesitation.
Crossing Safety Net
- 1-Across CPR locks each consonant so the short entry never feels shaky.
- 4-Across UGG locks each consonant so the short entry never feels shaky.
- 7-Across ORE locks each consonant so the short entry never feels shaky.
Solver Cheat Sheet
Meaning Hint
Word Tips defines the tool outright. Whenever you see hair maintenance in a clue, reach for COMB first.
Alternate Cue
Other puzzles may say "Barber's staple" or "Hair untangler." Both map to COMB.
Letter Pattern
The combination C-O-M-B is unique in grooming contexts, so the crosses confirm it instantly.
Solve Smart
Drop COMB quickly so you can move on to longer entries. The consistent pattern makes it a streak-preserving gimme.