NYT Mini · 1-Across · 5 letters

Big ___ (cuddling partner) NYT Mini crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026

Complete the phrase

Reveal the fill now—or finish the wording yourself.

5 letters
or use the phrase frame below

Phrase cue

Think of the outer person in a side-by-side cuddling position.

Open the fill and see the complete expressionOne click · no signup

Answer

SPOON

Why these words complete it

SPOON completes the familiar phrase “big spoon.” When two people cuddle in a spooning position, the person wrapping around the other is commonly called the big spoon.

Continue this puzzleMickey Mouse's pet dog →

The phrase frame

The blank completes a familiar two-word expression, and the parenthetical defines the role.

What the completed phrase means

The person on the outside in a spooning or side-by-side cuddling position.

Where this clue appeared

1-Across in NYT Mini puzzle for August 18, 2026.

Browse selected NYT Mini clues →

More selected clues from NYT Mini · August 18, 2026

Continue with independently explained clues from the same puzzle date. This is a selected learning set, not a complete answer list.

See SPOON meaning and common clue patterns →

Related reviewed clues

Solve the next clue here.

Paste another clue, add the letters you trust, and keep solving without returning to search.

Open saved clues →
Use ? for each unknown letter.
Optional if the pattern sets it.
How much help?

This independently written explanation is for learning and clue analysis. Crossword Clue Tutor is not affiliated with or endorsed by NYT Mini or its publisher.