Today's NYT Connections 617 Hints: Clues, answers for February 17, 2025

NYT Connections Solving Guide: From Clues to Group Words, Then to Specific Words

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Today's Fresh News: In today's headlines, global markets are reacting to the latest economic data, showing a mixed picture of growth and inflation. Meanwhile, tech giants are unveiling new AI-driven tools aimed at revolutionizing industries. On the cultural front, a new blockbuster movie is breaking box office records, and a major art exhibition is drawing crowds worldwide. As we navigate these exciting developments, let's dive into today's NYT Connections puzzle for a mental workout!

In this edition of NYT Connections, the puzzle designer has created four themes, each centered around a core clue. To help other players better understand the puzzle and quickly find the answers, I will guide you step by step from the clue → group word → specific words. Here’s the detailed solving guide.


1. Clue: LEISURE

Group Word: TIME OFF
Core Idea: Find words that describe periods of rest or time away from work or daily responsibilities

  • Clue Analysis: The clue "LEISURE" points to words that describe time spent away from work or daily duties.
  • Group Word Association: The group word "TIME OFF" further emphasizes the theme of rest or relaxation.
  • Specific Words:
    • BREAK: A short period of rest or time off.
    • LEAVE: Time away from work, often for vacation or personal reasons.
    • REST: A period of relaxation or recovery.
    • VACATION: An extended period of time off, often for travel or leisure.
  • Group Answer: BREAK, LEAVE, REST, VACATION

Guiding Players:

  1. See the clue "LEISURE" and think of words that describe time off or rest.
  2. Based on the group word "TIME OFF," confirm the theme is about "rest or relaxation."
  3. Finally, find the specific words: BREAK, LEAVE, REST, VACATION.

2. Clue: WANDER

Group Word: FOLLOW A MEANDERING COURSE
Core Idea: Find words that describe actions or movements involving a winding or indirect path

  • Clue Analysis: The clue "WANDER" points to words that describe following a winding or indirect path.
  • Group Word Association: The group word "FOLLOW A MEANDERING COURSE" clarifies the context of winding movements.
  • Specific Words:
    • CURVE: To move or bend in a smooth, rounded shape.
    • SNAKE: To move in a twisting, winding manner.
    • WEAVE: To move in and out or follow a zigzag path.
    • WIND: To move in a twisting or spiral path.
  • Group Answer: CURVE, SNAKE, WEAVE, WIND

Guiding Players:

  1. See the clue "WANDER" and think of words that describe winding or indirect movements.
  2. Based on the group word "FOLLOW A MEANDERING COURSE," confirm the theme is about "winding paths."
  3. Finally, find the specific words: CURVE, SNAKE, WEAVE, WIND.

3. Clue: SCORE

Group Word: BOWLING RESULTS
Core Idea: Find terms used to describe specific outcomes or achievements in bowling

  • Clue Analysis: The clue "SCORE" points to terms related to outcomes or achievements in bowling.
  • Group Word Association: The group word "BOWLING RESULTS" clarifies the context of bowling-specific terms.
  • Specific Words:
    • DOUBLE: Two strikes in a row in bowling.
    • SPARE: Knocking down all remaining pins with the second ball of a frame.
    • STRIKE: Knocking down all ten pins with the first ball of a frame.
    • TURKEY: Three strikes in a row in bowling.
  • Group Answer: DOUBLE, SPARE, STRIKE, TURKEY

Guiding Players:

  1. See the clue "SCORE" and think of terms related to bowling outcomes.
  2. Based on the group word "BOWLING RESULTS," confirm the theme is about "bowling achievements."
  3. Finally, find the specific words: DOUBLE, SPARE, STRIKE, TURKEY.

4. Clue: PREFIX

Group Word: ___FISH
Core Idea: Find words that can precede "FISH" to form common names of fish or fish-related terms

  • Clue Analysis: The clue "PREFIX" points to words that can be placed before "FISH" to form meaningful fish names or terms.
  • Group Word Association: The group word "___FISH" clarifies the structure of the fish-related terms.
  • Specific Words:
    • BLOW: Forms "blowfish," a type of fish known for inflating itself.
    • CAT: Forms "catfish," a common freshwater fish.
    • GOLD: Forms "goldfish," a popular aquarium fish.
    • SWORD: Forms "swordfish," a large, predatory fish.
  • Group Answer: BLOW, CAT, GOLD, SWORD

Guiding Players:

  1. See the clue "PREFIX" and think of words that can precede "FISH."
  2. Based on the group word "___FISH," confirm the theme is about "fish-related terms."
  3. Finally, find the specific words: BLOW, CAT, GOLD, SWORD.

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Summary and Solving Tips

  1. Start with the Clue: The clue is the key to solving the puzzle. Understand its meaning and then associate it with the group word.
  2. Group Word Defines the Theme: The group word narrows down the scope of the clue, helping you find the specific words more accurately.
  3. Verify Specific Words: Based on the clue and group word, identify the specific words and ensure they fit the theme.
  4. Practice and Accumulate Knowledge: Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will improve your speed and accuracy in solving NYT Connections.

This guide is designed to help players navigate the puzzle by systematically moving from the clue to the group word and finally to the specific words. Happy solving!