ThePolyMathPursuit
– Theme: Everyday expressions with a twistÂ
2. Difficulty: MediumÂ
3. Average Solve Time:Â 2-3 minutes
4. Pro Tip:Â Identify Wordplay
6. Puzzle Owner: By Joel Fagliano, The New York Times Â
5. Best For: Quick thinkersÂ
Today's clues challenged our thinking and brought smiles with their clever twists.
– 1A: Thinnest U.S. coins → DIMES – 5A: "Sorry, already have plans" → ICANT – 6A: Silent but deadly sort → NINJA – 7A: George ___, pen name of the Victorian writer Mary Ann Evans →  ELIOT – 8A: "That's great news!" →  YAY
– 1D: Wine pairing? → DINE – 2D: In a chilly manner → ICILY – 3D: Ending with klepto or ego → MANIA – 4D: Waiter's "Hope you like the food!" → ENJOY – 5D: Batting average, e.g.→  STAT
A daily dose of brain exercise that's perfect for any schedule.