This clue is the kind that feels cozy, mellow—and right up your chill beach vibe. “Passes time at the beach, maybe” hints at a leisurely activity many of us associate with sandy shores. Let’s picture it: waves, sun, and… what fits exactly in that 5-letter blank?
The Clue, Broken Down
You’re thinking of something someone might do to relax while lounging on the sand. The phrase “passes time” is doing heavy lifting here—it’s about what you do to kill time at the beach. And the “maybe” signals that it’s an optional pastime, not mandatory.
Some Plausible but Incorrect Guesses
- Swims – Sure, people swim at the beach, but “passes time” doesn’t quite fit.
- Naps – Possible—but doesn’t match the five-letter requirement.
- Suns – Overcasting the pun, sadly not a word.
Cute attempts, but none nail both meaning and word length.
✅ The Correct Answer: READS
The answer is READS. That’s the most common leisure activity at the beach: books, magazines, Kindle—they’re all about killing time in the sun. READS fits the five letters and vibes with the clue’s optional, chill energy. It appeared in the NYT Mini Crossword on July 30, 2025.
Why “READS” Works
- Literal & Consistent: Exactly what “passes time” suggests here.
- Five letters: Checks the crossword box neatly.
- Fits the tone: Relaxed, optional, and universal beach behavior.
Crossword constructors are all about subtlety and precision, and this answer delivers both.
Solver Tip for Beach-Themed Clues
When a clue feels gentle or built around a leisure activity (with words like maybe, perhaps, or might), think of common hobbies—reading is a classic. It’s often used in clues referencing relaxation or downtime.
Other Words:
