Sound from a bat — NYT Mini Clue (October 20, 2025)
Word Tips syncs this clue with baseball, highlighting the iconic noise of bat meeting ball. The Mini leans into that same energy, so CRACK is the move. All apostrophes use ' and quotation marks use ", keeping the markup crisp.
4 Down
Sound from a bat
That single syllable captures an entire ballpark moment. Word Tips's hints talk about breaking or fracturing, but the sports clue is the real draw today. The entry also gives you two consonants that glue the lower half of the puzzle together.
Crossing Helpers
- 6-Across HYDRA confirms each letter so CRACK stays clutch.
- 7-Across OCEAN confirms each letter so CRACK stays clutch.
- 8-Across PEACE confirms each letter so CRACK stays clutch.
- 5-Down KANE confirms each letter so CRACK stays clutch.
Strategy Notes
Meaning Hint
Word Tips points out that CRACK describes both the sharp noise of wood hitting a baseball and a split line. The Mini clearly chases the big-league sound.
Synonym Check
Snap, smack, or whack show up as cousins, but CRACK nails the stadium vibe.
Alternate Clue
Expect lines like "Noise from a home run swing" or "Break, as a phone screen." CRACK covers both angles.
Solve Smart
The C shares with CLICK and CHOP while the K crosses KANE. Drop CRACK in and you can practically hear the crowd cheer.