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 Friday, August 9, 2024:

Across

Move like a kangaroo

• The answer is hop.

Purple soda flavor

• The answer is grape.

Bird used for sending messages on "House of the Dragon"

• The answer is raven.

Oak tree-to-be

• The answer is acorn.

What half-life measures, in nuclear physics

• The answer is decay.

Down

Pandemonium

• The answer is havoc.

Performance for a prima donna

• The answer is opera.

Take a ___, leave a ___

• The answer is penny.

Mortarboard wearer

• The answer is grad.

A dash is a short one

• The answer is race.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.