"Show me the ___" (punny request at an art museum) NYT Crossword Clue
NYT Mini Crosswords love a little wordplay, especially when it comes to famous names and puns. So when you see a clue like “Show me the ___” (punny request at an art museum), it’s bait for both art buffs and folks who just like a goofy twist. That blank is the whole joke—and the trick is not overthinking what fits.
Answer:
The punny answer here is MONET. As in, show me the Monet—a playful riff on the phrase “show me the money,” but with a French impressionist’s famous name. This kind of clue pops up because Monet’s paintings are icons at major museums, and crossword writers can’t resist mashing up pop culture with fine art.
Explanation:
Why MONET and not “MOMA” or “MURAL”? NYT grids are always on the lookout for answers that do double duty—familiar names and a little laugh. The clue hints at the catchphrase from “Jerry Maguire” (“show me the money”) while hoping you catch the museum angle. Monet is one of the art world’s genuine headline names; you ask for a Monet at a top museum, you’ll probably get a knowing look or a smile. The charm’s all in the pun. So next time you spot a blank with a joke in the clue, go for wordplay not just the obvious.
Today’s NYT Mini Crossword Answers – August 2, 2025
For folks working through today’s puzzle, here’s a rundown for August 2, 2025:
| TikTok or Tinder | Show |
| Lawyers' org. | Show |
| Place with Bunsen burners and beakers, in brief | Show |
| Product that can be sampled with a spray on the wrist | Show |
| Visibly muscular | Show |
| Groceries carrier | Show |
| Self-indulgent "journey" | Show |
| AOL alternative | Show |
| Things that phone users might accidentally tap on webpages | Show |
| Sports org. that now includes schools from Texas and California, strangely enough | Show |
| Hobbyists with cameras, informally | Show |
| Big name in exercise bikes | Show |
| "Solve for x" subject | Show |
| Temporary fix, so to speak | Show |
| Pres. Lincoln | Show |
| "Show me the ___" (punny request at an art museum) | Show |
| President pro ___ | Show |
| Road trip assistance, for short | Show |
About NYT Mini Crossword
What’s so special about the Mini? Every day, it lines up just big enough for a real brain buzz but small enough you won’t lose your lunch hour. Editors keep it punchy—mixing in famous names like Monet, bits of news, and wordplay that lands just right for a friendly morning challenge. They know a smart joke or a fun reference can transform even the shortest clue.
How to Solve a Crossword
Best way to break through tricky clues? Don’t go straight—a sideways guess or a quick skip beats stubborn focus every time. When a clue smells of a pun (especially with those quotation marks), start thinking pop culture or classic catchphrases. Crossings are your best friend. And walk away if you’re spinning in place—nine times out of ten, the right answer pops up after a reset.
The Mini rewards both instinct and trial and error. Don’t be afraid to get it wrong before you get it right.
Tips for NYT Mini Crosswords
Chase the quick wins first; one or two confident answers open up the rest.
Puns and wordplay, especially with well-known figures like Monet, love to appear—try thinking outside the literal box.
Cross-check every guess—if the other answers flow, you’re probably right.
Embrace missteps. Some clues trip everyone, and that’s half the fun.
Make the Mini a daily ritual. Every grid builds your ear for language, and every solve ramps up your crossword game.
