Keeps the engine on while parked
Published by Naitik Mehta · April 1, 2026
Stuck on the clue Keeps the engine on while parked from the New York Times Mini for April 1, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Keeps the engine on while parked (5)
Answer
The answer to Keeps the engine on while parked is Idles (5 letters).
Why does Idles fit this clue?
This is a direct definition clue where 'Keeps the engine on while parked' points to IDLES. To idle means to run an engine at low speed without engaging the transmission, typically when a vehicle is stationary. When a driver keeps the engine running while parked, the engine idles, maintaining basic operation without moving the car. This common practice allows the driver to keep air conditioning, heating, or electrical systems running while temporarily stopped.
What does Keeps the engine on while parked mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
keeps
verb
•maintains or continues something in a particular state
engine
noun
•machine that converts fuel into mechanical power to operate a vehicle
parked
adjective
•positioned and left stationary in a designated area
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 2-down in the New York Times Mini on April 1, 2026, by Sam Ezersky, edited by Joel Fagliano. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Mini — Apr 1, 2026
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What does Idles mean?
verb
•To spend in idleness; to waste; to consume.
•To lose or spend time doing nothing, or without being employed in business.
Origin of the word Idles
•origin: Old English 'idel'
•period: Old English
The word originally meant 'empty' or 'vain' before evolving to describe laziness or inactivity, and is related to the German word 'eitel' meaning vain or conceited.
How to use Idles in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Idles.
•“The taxi driver idles his car outside the airport terminal while waiting for passengers.”
•“The factory machine idles quietly between production runs.”
•“She idles away her summer afternoons reading novels in the garden.”
What are other crossword clues for Idles?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Mini, Apr 1, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Mini for April 1, 2026 was published by Sam Ezersky and has 10 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Keeps the engine on while parked
- What is the answer to Keeps the engine on while parked?
- The answer is Idles (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Mini on April 1, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Keeps the engine on while parked have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Idles.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Mini — Apr 1, 2026
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