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: SOLUTION
Group Word: WAY OF SOLVING A PROBLEM
Core Idea: Find methods or actions used to address or resolve a problem
- Clue Analysis: The clue "SOLUTION" points to words that describe methods or actions used to solve problems.
- Group Word Association: The group word "WAY OF SOLVING A PROBLEM" further emphasizes the theme of problem-solving.
- Specific Words:
- ANSWER: A response or solution to a question or problem.
- FIX: To repair or resolve an issue.
- REMEDY: A solution or treatment for a problem.
- SOLUTION: A method or answer to a problem.
- Group Answer: ANSWER, FIX, REMEDY, SOLUTION
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "SOLUTION" and think of methods or actions used to solve problems.
- Based on the group word "WAY OF SOLVING A PROBLEM," confirm the theme is about "problem-solving methods."
- Finally, find the specific words: ANSWER, FIX, REMEDY, SOLUTION.
2. Clue: HARVEST
Group Word: COLLECT, AS FROM AN ORCHARD
Core Idea: Find actions related to gathering or collecting produce, especially from an orchard or farm
- Clue Analysis: The clue "HARVEST" points to words that describe actions related to gathering produce, particularly from an orchard or farm.
- Group Word Association: The group word "COLLECT, AS FROM AN ORCHARD" clarifies the context of gathering produce.
- Specific Words:
- GATHER: To collect or bring together produce.
- HARVEST: To gather crops or produce.
- PICK: To select and collect fruits or vegetables.
- REAP: To cut or gather crops, especially grain.
- Group Answer: GATHER, HARVEST, PICK, REAP
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "HARVEST" and think of actions related to gathering produce.
- Based on the group word "COLLECT, AS FROM AN ORCHARD," confirm the theme is about "gathering produce."
- Finally, find the specific words: GATHER, HARVEST, PICK, REAP.
3. Clue: EDITING
Group Word: PHOTOSHOP TOOLS
Core Idea: Find names of tools commonly used in Photoshop for editing images
- Clue Analysis: The clue "EDITING" points to tools used in Photoshop for image editing.
- Group Word Association: The group word "PHOTOSHOP TOOLS" clarifies the context of Photoshop editing tools.
- Specific Words:
- ERASER: A tool used to remove parts of an image.
- EYEDROPPER: A tool used to sample colors from an image.
- LASSO: A tool used to select parts of an image.
- MAGIC WAND: A tool used to select areas based on color or tone.
- Group Answer: ERASER, EYEDROPPER, LASSO, MAGIC WAND
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "EDITING" and think of tools used in Photoshop.
- Based on the group word "PHOTOSHOP TOOLS," confirm the theme is about "Photoshop editing tools."
- Finally, find the specific words: ERASER, EYEDROPPER, LASSO, MAGIC WAND.
4. Clue: HANDEDNESS
Group Word: OBJECTS THAT MAY BE RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED
Core Idea: Find objects or tools designed specifically for right-handed or left-handed users
- Clue Analysis: The clue "HANDEDNESS" points to objects or tools designed for right-handed or left-handed users.
- Group Word Association: The group word "OBJECTS THAT MAY BE RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED" clarifies the context of handedness-specific objects.
- Specific Words:
- BASEBALL GLOVE: Designed specifically for right- or left-handed players.
- CAN OPENER: Often designed for right-handed users, though left-handed versions exist.
- GOLF CLUB: Designed for right- or left-handed golfers.
- GUITAR: Often designed for right-handed players, though left-handed versions are available.
- Group Answer: BASEBALL GLOVE, CAN OPENER, GOLF CLUB, GUITAR
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "HANDEDNESS" and think of objects designed for right- or left-handed users.
- Based on the group word "OBJECTS THAT MAY BE RIGHT- OR LEFT-HANDED," confirm the theme is about "handedness-specific objects."
- Finally, find the specific words: BASEBALL GLOVE, CAN OPENER, GOLF CLUB, GUITAR.
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!