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Shed tears — NYT Mini Clue (October 21, 2025)

Word Tips explores the creative connections between language and emotion, and the Mini demonstrates this beautifully by choosing LEAK. This metaphorical approach transforms the biological act of crying into a more mechanical, almost accidental imagery that captures the involuntary nature of emotional overflow.

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Shed tears

LEAK

The brilliance of LEAK lies in its unexpected imagery. While we typically think of tears as flowing or streaming, the Mini invites us to picture emotions as something that might accidentally seep out, like water through a tiny crack. This metaphorical leap makes the answer both surprising and perfectly logical.

Crossing Helpers

  • 7-Across EXAMPLE anchors each letter securely, letting LEAK emerge naturally from the intersecting words.
  • 9-Across SAMPLE anchors each letter securely, letting LEAK emerge naturally from the intersecting words.
  • 1-Down ANGUS anchors each letter securely, letting LEAK emerge naturally from the intersecting words.
  • 4-Down RENEW anchors each letter securely, letting LEAK emerge naturally from the intersecting words.

Strategy Notes

Figurative Language

LEAK uses clever wordplay – while tears literally flow from eyes, "leak" creates a metaphorical image of emotional overflow.

Crossword Wordplay

The Mini loves lateral thinking. LEAK transforms a biological function into plumbing terminology, showcasing how language bridges concepts.

Emotional Vocabulary

This clue taps into universal human experience while avoiding more obvious choices like CRY or WEEP that might appear too straightforward.

Letter Strategy

The EA vowel pair provides strong crossing clues, while the K ending offers distinctive confirmation from intersecting words.