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: BE INDECISIVE
Group Word: HESITATE
Core Idea: Find words that describe actions or states of being unable to make a decision or being uncertain
- Clue Analysis: The clue "BE INDECISIVE" points to words that describe actions or states of being unable to make a decision or being uncertain.
- Group Word Association: The group word "HESITATE" further emphasizes the theme of indecision or uncertainty.
- Specific Words:
- HESITATE: To pause before doing something due to uncertainty.
- WAFFLE: To be indecisive or change one's mind frequently.
- WAVER: To be uncertain or fluctuate in opinion.
- YO-YO: To move up and down or be indecisive.
- Group Answer: HESITATE, WAFFLE, WAVER, YO-YO
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "BE INDECISIVE" and think of words that describe indecision or uncertainty.
- Based on the group word "HESITATE," confirm the theme is about "indecision or uncertainty."
- Finally, find the specific words: HESITATE, WAFFLE, WAVER, YO-YO.
2. Clue: LOVELY PERSON
Group Word: ENDEARING
Core Idea: Find terms of endearment used to describe someone who is sweet, kind, or charming
- Clue Analysis: The clue "LOVELY PERSON" points to terms of endearment used to describe someone who is sweet, kind, or charming.
- Group Word Association: The group word "ENDEARING" clarifies the context of affectionate or charming terms.
- Specific Words:
- ANGEL: A term of endearment for someone kind or pure.
- DEAR: A term of affection for someone beloved.
- DOLL: A term of endearment for someone charming or attractive.
- PEACH: A term of endearment for someone sweet or delightful.
- Group Answer: ANGEL, DEAR, DOLL, PEACH
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "LOVELY PERSON" and think of terms of endearment for someone sweet or charming.
- Based on the group word "ENDEARING," confirm the theme is about "affectionate or charming terms."
- Finally, find the specific words: ANGEL, DEAR, DOLL, PEACH.
3. Clue: LUCIDITY
Group Word: CLARITY
Core Idea: Find words related to mental clarity, understanding, or sanity
- Clue Analysis: The clue "LUCIDITY" points to words related to mental clarity, understanding, or sanity.
- Group Word Association: The group word "CLARITY" further emphasizes the theme of mental sharpness or coherence.
- Specific Words:
- MARBLES: Slang for mental faculties or sanity.
- MIND: The seat of consciousness and thought.
- SENSE: The ability to perceive or understand.
- WITS: Mental sharpness or intelligence.
- Group Answer: MARBLES, MIND, SENSE, WITS
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "LUCIDITY" and think of words related to mental clarity or sanity.
- Based on the group word "CLARITY," confirm the theme is about "mental sharpness or coherence."
- Finally, find the specific words: MARBLES, MIND, SENSE, WITS.
4. Clue: COMPONENTS OF METAPHORS FOR THINGS THAT CAN’T BE UNDONE
Group Word: IRREVERSIBLE
Core Idea: Find words that are part of common metaphors used to describe actions or events that cannot be reversed
- Clue Analysis: The clue "COMPONENTS OF METAPHORS FOR THINGS THAT CAN’T BE UNDONE" points to words that are part of common metaphors used to describe actions or events that cannot be reversed.
- Group Word Association: The group word "IRREVERSIBLE" clarifies the context of irreversible actions or events.
- Specific Words:
- BELL: As in "You can't unring a bell."
- EGG: As in "You can't unscramble an egg."
- GENIE: As in "You can't put the genie back in the bottle."
- TOOTHPASTE: As in "You can't put toothpaste back in the tube."
- Group Answer: BELL, EGG, GENIE, TOOTHPASTE
Guiding Players:
- See the clue "COMPONENTS OF METAPHORS FOR THINGS THAT CAN’T BE UNDONE" and think of words that are part of irreversible metaphors.
- Based on the group word "IRREVERSIBLE," confirm the theme is about "irreversible actions or events."
- Finally, find the specific words: BELL, EGG, GENIE, TOOTHPASTE.
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!