The questions from today’s “May 5, 2026” on NYT The 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: Word before “time” or “potatoes”
Answer: SMALL

Explanation:
The answer to the clue “Word before ‘time’ or ‘potatoes'” is “SMALL.” This is a classic example of how crossword puzzles often play with common phrases and compound words. In this case, “small” can precede both “time” and “potatoes” to form well-known terms.
“Small time” refers to something that is insignificant or not very important, often used in contexts like “small-time crook” to describe someone involved in minor criminal activities. On the other hand, “small potatoes” is an idiomatic expression meaning something trivial or not very valuable. It is often used in a dismissive sense, as in saying that a particular issue or amount of money is “small potatoes” compared to something larger or more significant.
The dual applicability of “small” in these contexts showcases the clever wordplay and lateral thinking that crossword puzzles often require. This form of clue is particularly engaging as it challenges solvers to think about words in different contexts, enhancing both vocabulary and problem-solving skills.
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