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: DEVOUR
Group Word: EAT VORACIOUSLY
Core Idea: Find actions of eating quickly or greedily
- Clue Analysis: The clue "DEVOUR" points to words that describe eating quickly or greedily.
- Group Word Association: The group word "EAT VORACIOUSLY" further emphasizes the theme of rapid or greedy eating.
- Specific Words:
- GOBBLE: To eat quickly and greedily.
- GULP: To swallow food or drink quickly.
- SCARF: To eat something quickly and eagerly.
- WOLF: To eat something quickly and hungrily.
- Group Answer: GOBBLE, GULP, SCARF, WOLF
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "DEVOUR" and think of actions of eating quickly or greedily.
- Based on the group word "EAT VORACIOUSLY," confirm the theme is about "rapid or greedy eating."
- Finally, find the specific words: GOBBLE, GULP, SCARF, WOLF.
2. Clue: YIELD
Group Word: BEND UNDER PRESSURE
Core Idea: Find actions or states of bending, collapsing, or giving way under pressure
- Clue Analysis: The clue "YIELD" points to words that describe bending, collapsing, or giving way under pressure.
- Group Word Association: The group word "BEND UNDER PRESSURE" clarifies the context of yielding or bending under pressure.
- Specific Words:
- BOW: To bend or curve under pressure.
- BUCKLE: To collapse or bend under stress.
- CAVE: To collapse or give way under pressure.
- GIVE: To yield or collapse under force.
- Group Answer: BOW, BUCKLE, CAVE, GIVE
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "YIELD" and think of actions or states of bending or collapsing under pressure.
- Based on the group word "BEND UNDER PRESSURE," confirm the theme is about "yielding or bending under pressure."
- Finally, find the specific words: BOW, BUCKLE, CAVE, GIVE.
3. Clue: SAILOR
Group Word: CLASSIC NAUTICAL TATTOOS
Core Idea: Find classic designs or symbols commonly used in traditional nautical tattoos
- Clue Analysis: The clue "SAILOR" points to classic designs or symbols used in nautical tattoos.
- Group Word Association: The group word "CLASSIC NAUTICAL TATTOOS" clarifies the context of traditional sailor tattoos.
- Specific Words:
- ANCHOR: A symbol of stability and hope, commonly used in nautical tattoos.
- COMPASS: A symbol of guidance and direction, often featured in sailor tattoos.
- MERMAID: A mythical creature often depicted in nautical tattoos.
- SWALLOW: A bird symbolizing safe return, commonly tattooed by sailors.
- Group Answer: ANCHOR, COMPASS, MERMAID, SWALLOW
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "SAILOR" and think of classic nautical tattoo designs.
- Based on the group word "CLASSIC NAUTICAL TATTOOS," confirm the theme is about "traditional sailor tattoos."
- Finally, find the specific words: ANCHOR, COMPASS, MERMAID, SWALLOW.
4. Clue: MODIFICATION
Group Word: BODY PARTS PLUS LETTER
Core Idea: Find body parts with an additional letter added to form new words
- Clue Analysis: The clue "MODIFICATION" points to body parts that, when modified by adding a letter, form new words.
- Group Word Association: The group word "BODY PARTS PLUS LETTER" clarifies the context of modified body part names.
- Specific Words:
- BUTT: Adding "E" forms "butte" (a small hill).
- CHIN: Adding "A" forms "China" (the country).
- EAR: Adding "TH" forms "earth" (the planet).
- SHIN: Adding "E" forms "shine" (to emit light).
- Group Answer: BUTT, CHIN, EAR, SHIN
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "MODIFICATION" and think of body parts that can be modified by adding a letter.
- Based on the group word "BODY PARTS PLUS LETTER," confirm the theme is about "modified body part names."
- Finally, find the specific words: BUTT, CHIN, EAR, SHIN.
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!