‘As good as it gets’ NYT Mini Crossword puzzle clue Sept. 3 answer and hints

“As good as it gets” is one of the clues in today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, and the answer to this clue isn’t as easy as it sounds. If you’re struggling, I’ve included the answer to this clue, which is from the Sept. 3 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, below.

‘As good as it gets’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Sept. 3 hints and answer

• Hint 1: It contains three vowels.
• Hint 2: It starts with an “I.”
• Hint 3: It rhymed with “appeal.”
• Hint 4: It typically means perfect or the best possible result.

The answer to the “As good as it gets” clue is “IDEAL.” Ideal is an adjective used to describe the perfect or best possible outcome. It can also be used to describe a way of being, performing, and acting that’s of a high standard.

All clues and answers in the Sept. 3 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A Concert tees, pins, posters, etc.—MERCH
• 6A Quick on one’s feet—AGILE
• 7A Kind of orange with a “belly button”—NAVEL
• 8A As good as it gets—IDEAL
• 9A Study of the stars and planets, for short—ASTRO

Down

• 1D Suffix for a huge fad—MANIA
• 2D Old-style “Yikes!”—EGADS
• 3D Patented metal fastener on Levi’s jeans—RIVET
• 4D Word shouted during a defibrillator scene in a hospital drama—CLEAR
• 5D Name tag headline—HELLO

‘As good as it gets’ NYT Crossword clue difficulty, rated

When I use the phrase “as good as it gets,” I’m usually saying it because the outcome of whatever I’m doing may not be the best, but it’s my best. So, in my world, it could be an “ideal” outcome, but for someone else, it may not be. Because we don’t usually think “as good as it gets” is synonymous with “ideal” or a positive outcome, I think this clue can be quite challenging, which is why I’d give it a difficulty rating of four out of five.

Best games like the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Now you’ve solved this tough clue, try the daily mini crossword puzzles from other publications like the LA Times or the Washington Post. They may be short, but they can also be quite a challenge to solve. However, if you like word games, such as themed word searches or spelling puzzles, then try Strands or Spelling Bee.