‘Tool for a soup kitchen volunteer’ NYT Mini Crossword hints and answers

Contrary to all the negativity we see in the daily media, plenty of good people exist in the world. Some humans are so motivated to help others that they require a “Tool for a soup kitchen,” which allows them to dish out free meals for the homeless—a deed acknowledged by the NYT Mini Crossword.

‘Tool for a soup kitchen volunteer’ Sept. 13 NYT Mini Crossword clue hints

• Hint one: A soccer player is deemed to have one of these on his foot after a wild and errant shot.
• Hint two: It can be made of metal or wood.
• Hint three: Big spoon.
• Hint four: It ends with “E.”

I have a funny feeling these clues have solved the mystery for you, but if not, the solution is slightly further on.

‘Tool for a soup kitchen volunteer’ Sept. 13 NYT Mini Crossword clue answer

“LADLE” is the correct answer for two down in today’s NYT Mini Crossword.

Yes, volunteers use the classic ladle in a soup kitchen to load up bowls with big, heaving helpings of soup. A soccer player metaphorically has a soup ladle on their foot to signify a bad shot, and the food instrument can be made of different materials.

All answers for Sept. 13 NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

Across

• 1A Clothed (in) — CLAD
• 5A Ring of light — HALO
• 5A Black____(dangerous spider) — WIDOW
• 7A Longtime talk show host known for pulling pranks on her guests — ELLEN
• 8A Worker with a comb, perhaps? — BEE

Down

• 1D South American country with a 4,000-mile coastline — CHILE
• 2D Tool for a soup kitchen volunteer — LADLE
• 3D Succulent in some health drinks — ALOE
• 4D “I’m reading a book about antigravity. I can’t put it ____!” (groaner) — DOWN
• 6D One “w” in www — WEB

‘Tool for a soup kitchen volunteer’ NYT crossword clue difficulty, explained

I’m giving this clue a two out of five for difficulty as I don’t think it’s that tough, and harder clues exist in the Sept. 13 NYT Mini Crossword. Unless you’ve never been in a kitchen in your life, I’d be stunned if you’ve never come across a ladle, so I think a two is reasonable.

How to play other daily word games like NYT Mini Crossword

The internet has plenty of other daily word games for you to experience, including The Atlantic, LA Times, Washington Post, Strands, and Spelling Bee. The characteristics of each word game make them unique and all well worth playing.