NYT Mini · 9-Across · 5 letters

Blue streams down a yellow emoji's face NYT Mini crossword clue

Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026

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Identity cue

They appear when the emoji is crying.

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Answer

TEARS

Why this is the right reference

TEARS are the blue streams drawn down the face of a crying yellow emoji. The clue describes the visual convention used in emoji artwork rather than naming the emotion directly.

Continue this puzzleBig ___ (cuddling partner) →

Reference to identify

The plural subject “streams” calls for a plural answer describing the visible drops.

Who or what the answer is

Drops of clear fluid produced by the eyes, often shown to represent crying.

Where this clue appeared

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

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More selected clues from NYT Mini · August 18, 2026

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