‘Thyme piece’ NYT Mini Crossword puzzle clue answer and hints

In today’s NYT crossword puzzle, the clue “Thyme piece” could refer to the ingredient used in cooking, or it might be something else entirely, making it challenging. If you’re struggling with this clue from this tricky Sept. 9 NYT Mini Crossword, then you’re in luck because the puzzle answer is below.

‘Thyme piece’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Sept. 9 hints and answer

• Hint 1: It ends with a “G.”
• Hint 2: It starts with an “S.”
• Hint 3: It contains only one vowel.
• Hint 4: It rhymes with “jig.”

The answer to the “Thyme piece” clue is “SPRIG.” A sprig is a small piece of a plant stem with leaves. So, if you have a small piece of thyme with its stem and leaves, this would be a sprig.

All clues and answers from the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A Alternatives to Macs — PCS
• 4A Mountains on the Swiss Miss logo — ALPS
• 6A They hit the books — NERDS
• 8A They bit the hooks — FISH
• 9A “Don’t be that___!” — GUY

Down

• 1D Pot’s flatter counterpart — PAN
• 2D Symbol on a music staff — CLEF
• 3D Thyme piece — SPRIG
• 5D Sch. two hours south of U.C.L.A — SDSU
• 7D Unlikely to approach a stranger at a party — SHY

How difficult is the clue ‘Thyme piece’ to solve

I wasn’t sure if it was referring to a piece of thyme or if it was a sneaky way of saying a time-telling device, like a watch or clock, maybe. However, after solving a few of the surrounding clues, I realized that it was the former of the two. And that’s when I figured out the answer. But if you’re unfamiliar with cooking, herbs, and plants, this clue would have been challenging, which is why I’m giving it a difficulty rating of four out of five.

NYT crossword and word game alternatives

The NYT Mini Crossword puzzle is only one of the mini crossword puzzle games you can play. So, if you’re after more mini crossword puzzles, try the ones from the LA Times or the Washington Post. But if you want to try something new, try the word games Strands or Spelling Bee.