The questions from today’s “February 8, 2026” on NYT Mini Crossword are a little bit brain teaser. Many people are looking for an answer to it. Here we are sharing answers for clues.
Clue: Trip to the end zone, when combined with this answer’s direction?
Answer: TOUCH
Explanation:
The clue “Trip to the end zone, when combined with this answer’s direction?” cleverly plays on the dual meanings of the word “TOUCH” and its spatial orientation in the crossword grid. In American football, a “trip to the end zone” typically results in a “touchdown,” a term that combines both the physical act of reaching the end zone with the scoring play itself. Here, the answer “TOUCH” represents the first part of “touchdown.”
The phrase “when combined with this answer’s direction” hints at the crossword mechanic where the orientation of the answer (across or down) is significant. If the word “TOUCH” is placed in the grid going “down,” it completes the idea of the word “touchdown,” which is the ultimate goal in scoring a trip to the end zone. This clever clue not only engages with sports terminology but also invites the solver to think about how the word interacts with the puzzle layout, adding an extra layer of depth to the solving experience. The answer “TOUCH” is thus a perfect example of how crossword clues can weave together language nuances, puzzle orientation, and thematic elements for a satisfying “aha” moment.
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