The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, May 16, 2024:

Across

Use a swizzle stick

• The answer is stir.

Vowel sound represented by an upside-down "e"

• The answer is schwa.

Deck that contains a card called Wheel of Fortune

• The answer is tarot.

With nobody else around

• The answer is alone.

Eye of ___ (witches' brew ingredient in "Macbeth")

• The answer is newt.

Down

Do-re-mi-fa-sol-la-ti-do

• The answer is scale.

The first "t" of #tbt

• The answer is throw.

"You can't make me!"

• The answer is iwont.

$100/night, e.g.

• The answer is rate.

Persian suffix in seven country names

• The answer is stan.