To help you avoid getting stuck and having to reveal missing letters, here are the NYT Mini Crossword answers for Tuesday, November 5 ( spoilers lie ahead, of course ): 1 Down: "The ___ will set you free. But not until it is finished with you": David Foster Wallace — TRUTH

The answer to three down in the Nov. 4 New York Times Mini Crossword is “SABER.” The Sabers are known for their single-edged, curved blade, which made them ideal for slashing during naval combat. Pirates in stories and movies are commonly depicted wielding curved swords, and the saber fits the description of the clue perfectly.

While the NYT puzzle might feel like an impossible task some days, solving a crossword is a skill and it takes practice — don’t get discouraged if you can’t get every single word in a puzzle. If you’re having trouble completing today’s NYT Crossword,