Make critical assumptions about — NYT Mini Clue (October 21, 2025)
This sophisticated clue points to READ – specifically, the phrase "read into something," which means to interpret or make assumptions about what someone says or does. The Mini cleverly uses the academic-sounding "critical assumptions" to disguise this common expression about interpretation and judgment.
8 Across
Make critical assumptions about
Think about when people say "don't read too much into it"! READ perfectly captures the act of making assumptions or interpretations, especially the kind of critical analysis we do when we try to understand hidden meanings in what others say or write.
Crossing Helpers
- 3-Down ANGUS locks in each letter so READ sits perfectly in the grid.
- 4-Down LEAK locks in each letter so READ sits perfectly in the grid.
- 5-Down JUNO locks in each letter so READ sits perfectly in the grid.
- 7-Down RENEW locks in each letter so READ sits perfectly in the grid.
Language Insights
Critical Reading
In literary analysis, "reading into" means interpreting text beyond surface level – finding deeper meanings and implications.
Common Phrase
The expression "read into something" perfectly matches the clue's meaning of making assumptions about situations or statements.
Crossword Favorite
READ is a crossword constructor's dream – it works for countless clues about books, analysis, assumptions, and understanding.
Multiple Meanings
This clue plays on READ's versatility: literal reading, interpretive reading, and making judgments based on limited information.