NYT Mini · 9-Across · 5 letters
Blue streams down a yellow emoji's face NYT Mini crossword clue
Editorially reviewed August 19, 2026
Answer
TEARS
Why TEARS fits
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.
Clue signal
The plural subject “streams” calls for a plural answer describing the visible drops.
TEARS meaning
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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