‘Secret rendezvous’ NYT Mini Crossword clue answer and hints

We’ve all seen the movies, TV shows, or even read books where several people in love meet up secretly. As “secret rendezvous” is one of the clues in today’s NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, the answer can be just as secretive as those meet-ups.

This tricky clue, which comes from the Sept. 2 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle, refers to a synonym for a secret rendezvous. If nothing comes to mind, I’ve included a few hints to try and help you solve it—and the answer if you’re struggling.

‘Secret rendezvous’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Sept. 2 hints and answer

• Hint 1: It starts with a “T.”
• Hint 2: It doesn’t contain any vowels.
• Hint 3: It rhymes with missed.
• Hint 4: It ends with a “T.”

The answer to the “secret rendezvous” clue is “TRYST.” A tryst is typically a secret meeting between two people who are lovers or are in a romantic relationship.

All clues and answers to the Sept. 2 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A Professional in a toque—CHEF
• 5A “I’m not a ____” (online affirmation next to a checkbox)—ROBOT
• 7A Love, in Italian—AMORE
• 8A Wards (off)—FENDS
• 9A Secret rendezvous—TRYST

Down

• 1D Woodcarving or metalsmithing, e.g.—CRAFT
• 2D It’s going…going…gone!—HOMER
• 3D Dark wood once used for drinking cups, as it was thought to neutralize poison—EBONY
• 4D Focuses on the road?—FORD
• 6D One might be multiple-choice—TEST

‘Secret rendezvous’ NYT Mini Crossword clue difficulty

Unless you watch or read content about romantic dramas, “tryst” might not be a word you think of when it comes to the clue “secret rendezvous.” This is because a “tryst” is often associated with scandalous secret meetings rather than just two lovers meeting up or two people meeting for a covert appointment.

Even when I read this clue, I wasn’t sure until I solved the surrounding ones. Because of the difficult nature of this clue, I’d give it a difficulty rating of four out of five.

What to play after the NYT Mini Crossword

Mini crosswords are short and sweet, so if you like the one from the NYT, why not try the mini crosswords from the LA Times or the Washington Post? But if you enjoy themed word searches or word-building games, try these word games from the NYT: Strands or Spelling Bee.