8 Across

NYT Mini • September 12, 2025

Enjoyed dinner at home, say

Answer:

ATEIN

Hint:

Think of a casual phrase you might text a friend when you skipped going out and had a simple meal instead.

Explanation:

This clue plays on the idea of "enjoying dinner" as simply eating, which is represented by "ATE." The "at home" part hints at adding "IN," a common crossword shorthand for "at home" (like "in" for inside). Put them together, and you get "ATE IN," meaning you had a meal in your own place instead of going out.

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General solving tip

'Perhaps,' 'maybe,' or 'e.g.' usually signal an example, not the category name. You're looking for one member of a broader set.

More tips → General Hints