NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Friday, August 9 (game #425)
Are you ready to put your brain to the test with the New York Times’ daily crossword puzzle? If so, make sure to check out today’s edition, released on Friday, August 9, as it promises to challenge your solving skills. This crossword, titled “Connections,” is game number 425 in the series and brings a unique twist to the table. Get ready to dive into a world of clever wordplay and fascinating connections!
For those unfamiliar with the “Connections” puzzle format, it requires solvers to find a hidden theme that links various entries in the grid. Once you discover the theme, the puzzle becomes significantly easier to complete, as it provides hints and connections that guide you through the remaining clues. So, let’s explore the hints and answers for Friday, August 9, to help you conquer this challenging game.
One of the first things you may notice is that the grid is unusually wide, spanning 16 columns instead of the customary 15. This expanded layout gives the crossword extra room for thematic connections and additional challenge. As you start filling in the answers, keep an eye out for any unusual patterns or relationships between the entries.
In this particular puzzle, the theme revolves around two vertical entries that span the entire grid: ‘CARVED IN STONE’ and ‘IT’S NO ACCIDENT.’ As you might guess, these phrases indicate words that are carved in stone and words that cannot be accidental. Still, don’t get too caught up on looking for actual stones or accidents; instead, focus on what these phrases suggest.
For example, ‘CARVED IN STONE’ refers to idiomatic expressions or phrases that have become fixed in our language. It implies that these phrases are well-established and cannot be changed. Keep this in mind as you tackle the puzzle, as many of the other vertical answers will be idiomatic expressions related to ‘CARVED IN STONE’.
Similarly, ‘IT’S NO ACCIDENT’ suggests that there is no randomness in the grid. All the other vertical answers, when properly filled in, will have a specific connection or pattern, indicating that their presence is not accidental.
Now let’s dive into some hints and answers to get you started:
1. The answer to “‘CARVED IN STONE’” starts with the letter I. It spans three columns and is a nine-letter word.
2. The answer to “‘IT’S NO ACCIDENT’” starts with the letter C. It spans two columns and is a four-letter word.
3. For the clue, “Mixed bag,” the answer is ‘MOTLEY’. This word is related to ‘CARVED IN STONE’ and can help you fill in other vertical entries.
4. To complete the expression “‘CARVED IN STONE’ is to put it in ____,” the answer is ‘CEMENT’. This clue links back to the theme and emphasizes the fixed nature of idiomatic expressions.
Use these hints to help you make progress on this challenging grid. Remember to always think outside the box and consider possible connections between clues. Once you start unravelling the connections and their relationship to the theme, the entire puzzle will come together more smoothly.
Whether you’re an experienced crossword solver or just beginning your journey into this addictive pastime, today’s NYT Connections puzzle promises to deliver a delightful challenge. So grab your pen, pencil or digital device, and dive into the stimulating world of wordplay and connections. Get ready to conquer Friday’s puzzle and enhance your crossword solving skills along the way!
