NYT Connections today — hints and answers for Saturday, November 23 (game #531)
Every day, thousands of crossword enthusiasts eagerly await the release of The New York Times’ renowned crossword puzzle. Considered the gold standard of all puzzles, the level of difficulty increases throughout the week, culminating in the challenging Saturday edition. For crossword aficionados, cracking the Saturday puzzle is a true badge of honor. On November 23rd, The New York Times published game #531, a particularly tricky puzzle that tested the skills of even the most experienced solvers. Let’s delve into the hints and answers from this particular game.
One of the key strategies many crossword enthusiasts employ is to start with the clues where they have the most confidence. In game #531, a helpful hint can be found in 1-Across, which is a six-letter word for “Alka-Seltzer alternative.” The answer to this clue is EMTABS, which are another type of effervescent antacid tablets.
Moving on to 17-Across, solvers encounter the clue “Slight disturbance.” The answer, which spans five letters, is RIPPLE. While “disturbance” might give the impression of something significant, a “slight disturbance” suggests something more subtle, like small waves on the surface of a pond.
One of the more challenging clues in this game can be found in the northeast corner. The hint for 13-Across is “Reams,” clueing us towards the answer “WADS,” which means a large number or quantity. To “ream” in slang terms means to cheat or swindle, leading solvers to envision a slacker’s idea of an impressive amount.
The longest entry in game #531 is 36-Down: “South Pacific kingdom.” The answer to this is TONGA, a small country made up of 169 islands in the Pacific Ocean. Known for its stunning coral reefs and beautiful beaches, Tonga is often referred to as the “Friendly Islands” due to the genuine hospitality of its people.
Another challenging clue in this game is 34-Down, which reads “Hindrance to free trade.” The solution, SOCK, at first seems slightly misleading, but it becomes clear when we think of a “hinderance” as something that stops or restricts movement. A sock could be such an obstacle if someone throws it in the path of another person, for example.
Solvers might also encounter a historical reference in 15-Down, with the clue “Defunct Japanese since 2011.” The answer is ASAHI, a well-known Japanese newspaper that ceased publication in 2011. This clue is a great example of how crosswords can balance contemporary knowledge with tidbits from history.
The Saturday crossword offers more than just an opportunity to test one’s skills; it can be a gateway to learning interesting and unusual facts. Game #531 continues this tradition by providing a challenging array of clues and answers, designed to keep solvers engaged while expanding their knowledge and vocabulary.
Whether you’re an experienced solver or new to the world of crosswords, taking on The New York Times’ Saturday puzzle is always an exciting endeavor. Game #531, with its collection of clever and thought-provoking clues, presented an enjoyable challenge for crossword enthusiasts around the world. Now that you have a taste of the hints and answers, why not give it a go? You might just discover a new love for crosswords or expand your existing puzzle-solving prowess. Happy solving!
