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: HOLE
Group Word: CRATER
Core Idea: Find words that describe depressions or hollow areas in a surface
- Clue Analysis: The clue "HOLE" points to words that describe depressions or hollow areas in a surface.
- Group Word Association: The group word "CRATER" further emphasizes the theme of hollow or depressed areas.
- Specific Words:
- CAVITY: A hollow space within a solid object.
- HOLE: An opening or hollow area in a surface.
- HOLLOW: A sunken or empty area.
- PIT: A deep hole or cavity in the ground.
- Group Answer: CAVITY, HOLE, HOLLOW, PIT
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "HOLE" and think of words that describe depressions or hollow areas.
- Based on the group word "CRATER," confirm the theme is about "hollow or depressed areas."
- Finally, find the specific words: CAVITY, HOLE, HOLLOW, PIT.
2. Clue: AT HAND
Group Word: ACCESSIBLE
Core Idea: Find words that describe something easy to reach, obtain, or use
- Clue Analysis: The clue "AT HAND" points to words that describe something easily accessible or within reach.
- Group Word Association: The group word "ACCESSIBLE" clarifies the context of ease of access or use.
- Specific Words:
- AVAILABLE: Ready for use or obtainable.
- HANDY: Conveniently accessible or useful.
- NEARBY: Close at hand or within easy reach.
- READY: Prepared or available for immediate use.
- Group Answer: AVAILABLE, HANDY, NEARBY, READY
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "AT HAND" and think of words that describe something easily accessible.
- Based on the group word "ACCESSIBLE," confirm the theme is about "ease of access or use."
- Finally, find the specific words: AVAILABLE, HANDY, NEARBY, READY.
3. Clue: FILLING
Group Word: SUBSTANTIAL, AS A MEAL
Core Idea: Find words that describe hearty, satisfying, or large-portion meals
- Clue Analysis: The clue "FILLING" points to words that describe meals or food that are hearty or satisfying.
- Group Word Association: The group word "SUBSTANTIAL, AS A MEAL" clarifies the context of substantial or satisfying meals.
- Specific Words:
- FILLING: Describes food that is satisfying and substantial.
- HEARTY: Describes food that is wholesome and filling.
- SOLID: Describes food that is substantial and satisfying.
- SQUARE: Describes a full or complete meal.
- Group Answer: FILLING, HEARTY, SOLID, SQUARE
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "FILLING" and think of words that describe hearty or satisfying meals.
- Based on the group word "SUBSTANTIAL, AS A MEAL," confirm the theme is about "substantial meals."
- Finally, find the specific words: FILLING, HEARTY, SOLID, SQUARE.
4. Clue: SLANG
Group Word: BRITISHISMS
Core Idea: Find examples of British slang or colloquial terms
- Clue Analysis: The clue "SLANG" points to informal or colloquial terms, specifically British slang.
- Group Word Association: The group word "BRITISHISMS" clarifies the context of British slang or colloquialisms.
- Specific Words:
- BUTTY: A British slang term for a sandwich.
- CHIPPY: A British slang term for a fish and chip shop.
- FOOTY: A British slang term for football (soccer).
- TELLY: A British slang term for television.
- Group Answer: BUTTY, CHIPPY, FOOTY, TELLY
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "SLANG" and think of informal or colloquial terms, especially British slang.
- Based on the group word "BRITISHISMS," confirm the theme is about "British slang."
- Finally, find the specific words: BUTTY, CHIPPY, FOOTY, TELLY.
Summary and Solving Tips
- Start with the Clue: The clue is the key to solving the puzzle. Understand its meaning and then associate it with the group word.
- Group Word Defines the Theme: The group word narrows down the scope of the clue, helping you find the specific words more accurately.
- Verify Specific Words: Based on the clue and group word, identify the specific words and ensure they fit the theme.
- 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!