1 Across

NYT Mini • September 15, 2025

Gossip that’s “dished”

Answer:

DIRT

Hint:

Think of what gardeners remove or what might be dug up on someone’s reputation—it’s not always clean.

Explanation:

The clue plays on the double meaning of "dirt." In everyday language, "dirt" can literally mean soil, but it’s also slang for gossip or scandalous information—something people "dish" when sharing juicy rumors. The word "dished" hints at the act of spreading gossip, tying directly to the informal use of "dirt" as secrets or negative talk. It’s a straightforward pun where the answer fits both the literal and figurative sense.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints