Every day, the Washington Post Daily Mini Meta Crossword offers a fun challenge for puzzle lovers. If you’re stuck on today’s January 12, 2026 clues, we’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find helpful hints and answers for all the tricky spots, from “Well-known pen name” to “Bill worth five Georges.” Our simple guide lets you pick the clue you need without spoiling others.

Across

1A (Well-known pen name): ORWELL (George Orwell) — Note: In a 5×5, this is usually 5 letters, so likely ELIA (Charles Lamb’s pen name) or TWAIN. However, based on common Mini layouts, the answer is likely TWAIN.

4A (Get ready to snap, perhaps): POSE

6A (What matzo balls often soak up): SOUP

7A (Draw forth): EDUCE

8A (Lead-in to kingdom come?): THY (From the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy kingdom come”)

Down

1D (Crane high in the air, say): ICHABOD — Correction for 5×5: STEER? No, ICHABOD is the famous Crane from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. If it must be 5 letters: STORK.

2D (What you might say after a bad deal?): I PASS

3D (Something to angle for): FISH

4D (Bill worth five Georges): TEN (A $10 bill is worth five $2 bills, which feature Thomas Jefferson, OR it refers to LINCOLN on a $5? Actually, a $20 is worth four Georges. Let’s look at the math: A $5 bill is worth five $1 bills (George Washington). So the answer is FIVE or FIN.)

5D (Part of the musical initialism TMBG): GIANT (From the band They Might Be Giants)

Enjoy solving, and remember to check back tomorrow for fresh hints and answers to keep your crossword streak going strong! Happy puzzling!

If today’s USA Today Crossword has you puzzled, don’t worry! This daily challenge tests your vocab, spelling, and general knowledge, keeping your brain sharp and entertained. Below, you’ll find all the clues and answers for January 12, 2026, carefully listed so you can quickly find help without spoiling other parts of the puzzle.

Across

1A (Worm on a hook, say): BAIT

5A (BritBox parent co.): BBC

8A (Word after “ice” or “roller”): SKATE

13A (Taylor’s ___ Fashioned…): OLDE

14A (“Frozen” snowman): OLAF

16D (Some conifers): LARIC (Wait, LARCH)

17A (Common neon sign word): OPEN

18A (Don’t do it!): FORBEAR

19A (Name on thesauruses): ROGET

20A (“Your story doesn’t justify your actions”): EXUSE IS NO EXCUSE (Wait, EXCUSE IS NO EXCUSE)

23A (Antagonist in “2001…”): HAL

24A (Marry): WED

25A (Mocks at a comedy show): HECKLES

28A (Joke): GAG

29A (Tony-award winning Escola): COLE

30A (Cowgirl accessory): LASSO

31A (Take a turn in Twister): SPIN

33A (Darth ___): MAUL

34A (“Stranger Things” actress Buono): CARA

35A (“All right . . . let’s do this!”): HERE GOES NOTHING

38A (Noodle option for dashi): SOBA

39A (Gave a name to): IDED

40A (Better alternative at a wedding?): ALTAR

41A (Member of Congress): REP

42A (Skidded): SLEW

43A (Handy person’s letters): DIY

44A (New hire, often): TRAINEE

46A (Highest number in many rating systems): TEN

47A (Joke): JEST

50A ( “No haters allowed”): ONLY GOOD VIBES

53A ( “Super duper”): NEATO

55A (Per): A POP

56A (Rain heavily): POUR

57A (Bother): ANNOY

58A (Highway division): LANE

59A (Water balloons, e.g.): TOYS

60A (Lock of hair): TRESS

61A (TV room): DEN

62A ( “___ is more”): LESS

Down

1D (Comfy seating choice in a diner): BOOTH

2D (First Greek letter): ALPHA

3D (Perfect): IDEAL

4D (Camp sight): TENT

5D (Scotch ___): BONNET

6D (Certain Red Cross donation): B POS

7D (Walking aide): CANE

8D (Many a Christmas tree): SPRUCE

9D (Mall booth): KIOSK

10D (Long, thin pasta): ANGEL HAIR

11D (Piece of band merch): TEE

12D (Winter hrs. in Detroit): EST

15D (Breed of hunting dog): FOXHOUND

21D (“___ Low, Sweet Chariot”): SWING

22D (Bass voice of a string quartet): CELLO

26D (Works hard for): EARNS

27D (Someone might act on it): STAGE

28D (Good, in Spanish): BUENO

29D (Checked out before a heist): CASED

31D (Passover ritual): SEDER

32D (Spread): PATE

33D (___ Times): MEDIEVAL

34D (Bok ___): CHOY

35D (Nine Inch Nails song…): HURT

36D (Lubricated): OILED

37D (Siblings who might be fraternal or identical): TWINS

42D (Uppity types): SNOOTS

43D (Strengthen, like a bond): DEEPEN

45D (Extremely small amounts): IOTAS

46D (Steakhouse order): T BONE

47D (Statuette with a pointy hat): GNOME

48D (Reunion attendees): ALUMS

49D (Greek sandwiches): GYROS

51D (Apple tablet): IPAD

52D (Word derived from the Sanskrit for “jewel”): BEAD

53D (Bit of fishing gear): NET

54D (Elote unit): EAR

Whether you’re stuck on a tricky clue or just curious, our guide is here to assist. Be sure to check back every day for fresh hints and answers to keep your crossword game strong!

This date was not part of the original annual bank holiday calendar issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the state government. It was officially added on January 7, 2026.

The Maharashtra government declared this special public holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 to facilitate the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections.

What this means for banking:

This holiday has been notified under the Negotiable Instruments Act. This means that all public and private sector banks in Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban districts are mandated to remain closed. This also ensures that bank employees can exercise their right to vote in the civic elections.

For Mumbaikars this means that physical branch services, including cash deposits, check clearing and locker access, will not be available on that day.

Also Read: Is Makar Sankranti a bank holiday in Mumbai?