5 Down

NYT Mini • August 18, 2025

Hard-headed animal

Answer:

RAM

Hint:

3-letter word

Explanation:

"Hard-headed animal" plays on the double meaning of "hard-headed." Literally, it describes a ram, a male sheep known for its tough skull and head-butting behavior. Figuratively, "hard-headed" can mean stubborn, which also fits a ram’s reputation for being strong-willed and unyielding. The clue cleverly ties both interpretations together to point to the answer.

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