"Citizen ___" — NYT Mini Clue (October 20, 2025)
Word Tips leans on the legendary Orson Welles film, and the Mini follows suit. The blank is KANE, plain and simple. Apostrophes show as ' and quotation marks as " so everything stays HTML-perfect.
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"Citizen ___"
Some clues barely need hints, and this is one of them. Word Tips's reminder about Jeffrey Archer's “Kane and Abel” is fun trivia, but the crossword payoff is still all about that Oscar-worthy title.
Crossing Helpers
- 8-Across PEACE locks each letter so KANE snaps into place.
- 9-Across ELK locks each letter so KANE snaps into place.
- 1-Down CHOP locks each letter so KANE snaps into place.
- 4-Down CRACK locks each letter so KANE snaps into place.
Strategy Notes
Meaning Hint
Word Tips flashes back to Orson Welles's classic “Citizen Kane,” so the blank is KANE. Easy win for film fans.
Synonym Check
There is no real synonym, but you might see references to magnate Charles Foster Kane or Welles himself.
Alternate Clue
It often appears as "Welles title role" or "Citizen ___ (film)." Every time, the answer is KANE.
Solve Smart
The K crosses CRACK, the A lines up with PEACE, and the N sits against ELK. Once those letters drop, KANE is automatic.