Hints
Today’s NYT Connections puzzle brings a delightful challenge for enthusiasts and casual players alike. With a variety of clues that touch on different themes, this edition aims to coax out the inner sleuth in you. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some hints to enhance your solving strategy without giving too much away.
For the across clues, remember that “Flying ___” hints at an animal that misleadingly includes “bat” in its name. A bit of animal trivia might help here! The clue about the furniture retailer is well-known, and its name is synonymous with ready-to-assemble furniture. For drug cops, think of a term that encompasses undercover officers; it’s a familiar slang in law enforcement circles. The geological time period mentions several ages—look for a word that signifies a long span of time. And when considering letters, think sequentially; the position of “F” in the alphabet gives you a numerical hint.
Moving to the down clues, the first clue relates to financial penalties, often seen on unpleasant parking tickets—so a straightforward term comes to mind. That African mammal clue featuring striped legs certainly evokes a unique image; it’s not commonly discussed but definitely memorable. For the copy-related clue, envision the brand that’s become synonymous with duplication. Lastly, the clue involving bank customers refers to a commonly used abbreviation, while the final one hints at a quieting gesture—simple and effective!
Answers
1A: FOX
4A: IKEA
6A: NARCS
8A: EPOCH
9A: SIXTH
1D: FINES
2D: OKAPI
3D: XEROX
5D: ACCT
7D: SHH
As you wrap up today’s puzzle, remember that practice leads to improvement. Each clue you tackle sharpens your skills for the next round. The blend of vocabulary and logic in games like the Connections puzzle keeps our minds agile, so keep firing those neurons! The community buzz around each challenge only adds to the fun, turning solo puzzle-solving into a shared experience.