French for "high school" — NYT Mini Clue (October 20, 2025)
Word Tips brings in a short language lesson, pointing to the French public school system. We keep that vibe alive by highlighting LYCEE as the no-brainer translation. Apostrophes display as ' and quotation marks as " to stay consistent.
2 Down
French for "high school"
Count on that accented French spelling — and remember, the Mini drops the accent for entry simplicity. Word Tips's hint about the state-funded system gives you a quick mental image so you can fly through this clue every time.
Crossing Helpers
- 1-Across CLICK keeps your letters aligned so LYCEE arrives without a second guess.
- 6-Across HYDRA keeps your letters aligned so LYCEE arrives without a second guess.
- 3-Down IDEAL keeps your letters aligned so LYCEE arrives without a second guess.
- 4-Down CRACK keeps your letters aligned so LYCEE arrives without a second guess.
Strategy Notes
Meaning Hint
Word Tips reminds us a lycee is a state-funded French secondary school serving students aged about 15 to 18. It is the standard translation for “high school.”
Synonym Check
Think of equivalents like secondary school or lycée (with the accent). The Mini strips the accent for grid-friendliness.
Alternate Clue
Clues like "French prep school" or "Parisian secondary school" will also land you on LYCEE.
Solve Smart
That Y at position two interlocks with HYDRA, so once you pencil it in, the rest of the answer almost auto-completes.