The Dead AgainMini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, December 13, 2024:

Across

Spread out, as one's fingers

• The answer is Splay.

Long cloud of smoke

• The answer is Plume.

Subway payments

• The answer is Fares.

Kind of garden with a bonsai tree

• The answer is Zen.

"Might I ___ …"

• The answer is Add.

Down

Rating on a Hawaiian Tropic bottle, for short

• The answer is SPF.

New York hotel featured in "Home Alone 2," with "the"

• The answer is Plaza.

Enticed with bait

• The answer is Lured.

Modify, as the Constitution

• The answer is Amed.

Reply to roughly 3.6% of Harvard applicants for the 2028 class

• The answer is Yes.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!Check out our games hubfor Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.