3 Down

NYT Daily • August 15, 2025

Mean mien

Answer:

SNEER

Hint:

A smirk that’s sharp enough to cut through polite conversation.

Explanation:

"Mean mien" hints at a facial expression that looks unkind or contemptuous. The word "mien" refers to a person’s manner or facial expression, so pairing it with "mean" suggests a scornful look. The answer "SNEER" fits perfectly—it’s a smirk or expression of disdain, matching both the definition and the alliterative play on "mean."

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