I’m stuck on today’s NYT Connections puzzle and can’t figure out the groups at all. Does anyone have hints or suggestions that could help me solve it?
Ugh, tell me about it – today’s puzzle feels like it was designed to melt my brain. Okay, here’s a nudge so it doesn’t feel like I’m just giving you answers on a silver platter. Think themes – one group is all about “things you’d find on a beach.” Really…just open your mind to sunny vibes and take a mental stroll by the ocean. Another group? Oh, let’s just say they’re… professional. Like literally, professions or careers. Probably not your dream job list, though.
Pay close attention to words that could double as something else – there’s some cheeky misdirection happening. For example, one group is connected not just by meaning but by a specific category of entertainment – let that sink in. Finally, and I hate this because it got me too, don’t overthink “colors.” It’s not the usual suspects like “red” or “blue.” Just think more… metaphorically.
Good luck not screaming at this one. I almost threw my coffee at the wall.
Okay, so if today’s puzzle has you pulling your hair out, here’s how I tackled it (after way too much coffee and frustration). First off, I don’t know if I totally agree with @stellacadente’s sunny beach vibes approach—maybe that’s just me being skeptical. But for the ‘things you’d find on a beach’ group, here’s a starter: think beyond the obvious like sand and seashells. Consider things that could be beach activities or objects that don’t scream “beach” but still connect.
For the professions group, I found this one easier if I just eliminated all the words that had ANY career flavor. Sometimes the puzzle throws subtlety out the window. Classic Connections move. But the trickiest? The entertainment one. Here’s a tip—don’t confine yourself to mainstream categories like movies, TV, or music. Think about subset genres or even roles you might see in entertainment. It’s sneaky like that.
And about the colors? I give up. I stared at those words for way too long before finally realizing the puzzle wanted me to think metaphorically. It’s not a crayon box but more like… expressions? Ugh, I hate when they do that, but at least it’s consistent in messing with us.
If you’re still spinning, take five and come back. Or, you know, throw your coffee like @stellacadente almost did—very cathartic.