‘What four quarters can equal’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Aug. 19 answer and hints

For many people, mathematics is quite problematic—and at first glance, today’s NYT Mini Crossword clue seemed to be another tricky maths problem.

“What four quarters can equal” is one of the harder clues from the NYT’s Aug. 19 crossword puzzle. I have several hints and the answer below, and you’ll be happy to know this clue is more of a word-riddle than a maths clue.

‘What four quarters can equal’ NYT Mini Crossword clue Aug. 19 hints and answer

• Hint 1: It starts with a “Y.”
• Hint 2: It contains 365 days (most of the time).
• Hint 3: It also contains four seasons.
• Hint 4: It ends in an “R.”

The answer to the “What four quarters can equal” clue is “YEAR.” One year, which contains 12 months, can typically be divided into four quarters—each with three months. While it’s not the only way to describe four quarters, it does fit today.

NYT Mini Crossword puzzle: All Aug. 19 clues and answers

Across

• 1A Leaves a couple bucks on the bar counter — TIPS
• 5A Opera solo — ARIA
• 6A Package before sending — BOX UP
• 8A Number of Olympic gold medals won by Katie Ledecky — NINE
• 9A What fur quarters can equal — YEAR

Down

• 1D Browser subwindow — TAB
• 2D A maintenance shop with a broken doorbell is an example of it — IRONY
• 3D Kind of short haircut for women — PIXIE
• 4D Spa room — SAUNA
• 7D Pay-___view — PER

‘What four quarters can equal’ NYT crossword clue difficulty

My first thought here was, “Oh no, not another maths clue.” But when I re-read it, I couldn’t figure out a four-letter word that meant “one” or equivalent. It wasn’t until I solved a few of the other clues that I realized the answer. So, while it wasn’t too challenging, it was confusingly tricky, and I’d give it a difficulty rating of three out of five.

What to play after the NYT Mini Crossword puzzle

If you’re after more mini crossword puzzles, try the ones from the LA Times or Washington Post. Both publications release mini crosswords daily, so you have a few to choose from. But if you enjoy creative word-based games, then try Strands or Spelling Bee.