‘Give a heads-up’ NYT Mini Crossword answer and hints

Giving someone a heads-up applies to many scenarios: Someone’s order being ready, notifying a person to expect a call later, or warning them of danger! The ability to “Give a heads-up” shouldn’t be understated, and the NYT Mini Crossword is looking for one word, in particular, exemplifying this.

‘Give a heads-up’ NYT Sept. 17 Mini Crossword hints

• Hint one: It can also describe someone very aware and mindful of the circumstances and their surroundings in a given moment.
• Hint two: Anagram of “LATER.”
• Hint three: Red _____
• Hint four: Starts with “A.”

These are handy hints, but the well is dry. If you’re still parched and devoid of ideas, the answer awaits you below.

‘Give a heads-up’ five down answer in NYT Sept. 17 Mini Crossword

The answer for this clue is “ALERT,” as it’s a way to give someone a heads-up. You “Alert” a person to give them a heads-up—it’s pretty much a synonym!

An “Alert” person is also someone very aware and hyperfocused about what’s going on around them; it’s an anagram of “Later,” and “Red Alert” is a well-known status used to indicate danger or an incoming threat.

All NYT Mini Crossword Sept. 17 answers

Across

• 1A Game of throwns? — DARTS
• 6A Give a heads-up — ALERT
• 7A Like some credit card accounts — NO FEE
• 8A Not costing much — CHEAP
• 9A It’s celebrated every April 22 — EARTH

Down

• 1D Move to the music — DANCE
• 2D Hawaiian “hi” — ALOHA
• 3D Make an allusion (to) — REFER
• 4D Reward for a well-behaved dog — TREAT
• 5D U.S. men’s basketball star with eight three-pointers in the gold medal game, familiarly — STEPH

‘Give a heads-up’ NYT Mini Crossword difficulty rating

In a crossword grid full of five-letter words, this is easily one of the more gettable clues—particularly on its own without the guidance of other solutions. Quite simply, I’m giving this a two out of five, and there are tougher solutions to deal with.

How to play other word games like the NYT Mini Crossword

I find daily word games to be insightful and inspiring. They allow me to stretch my brain, get the creative juices flowing, and stimulate my senses. If you feel similarly, be sure to check out other puzzles the internet has to offer: LA Times, Washington Post, Strands, and Spelling Bee.