The questions from today’s “January 1, 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: Word on either side of “___-eat-___”
Answer: DOG
Explanation of clue:
The phrase “dog-eat-dog” refers to a highly competitive environment where individuals are willing to harm one another to achieve their goals. This expression is often used to describe cutthroat situations in business or society where the struggle for survival or success leads to ruthless behavior. The phrase suggests a scenario where individuals are so desperate to get ahead that they metaphorically (or literally) consume each other, embodying a survival of the fittest mentality. The term captures the essence of Darwinian competition and the fierce nature of certain environments, thus encapsulating the harsh realities of life where one must be aggressive to succeed. In the crossword clue, “DOG” fits perfectly on both sides of the blank, creating the well-known idiom “dog-eat-dog.” This clue is a clever play on words, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the phrase while challenging solvers to think beyond the literal and consider common idiomatic expressions.
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