If you’re a fan of crossword puzzles, chances are you’re familiar with the New York Times (NYT) crossword. Being one of the most popular and widely recognized crossword puzzles out there, it attracts millions of people every day who challenge their skills and try to solve the clues. Today, let’s take a closer look at the NYT Connections puzzle edition for Monday, December 2 (game #540), and provide some hints and answers to get you started.
The Monday crossword puzzle is generally considered the easiest of the week. It serves as an excellent entry point for novice solvers, while still offering enjoyable challenges for experienced ones. With that in mind, let’s jump right into solving today’s puzzle!
1. 5-Down: The clue is “Actor McKellen of ‘Gandalf’.” The answer is IAN. Sir Ian McKellen is a distinguished British actor, acclaimed for his role as Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” movie trilogy.
2. 9-Down: The clue is “What pipelines may do.” The answer is LEAK. This refers to the unfortunate occurrence when pipelines, used for transporting fluids or gases, become damaged, resulting in unintended leakage.
3. 15-Across: The clue is “Like a couch potato.” The answer is SEDENTARY. This term is used to describe people who lead a physically inactive lifestyle, typically spending long periods sitting or lying down.
4. 17-Across: The clue states “Hydrocodone-acetaminophen combination.” The answer is VICODIN. Vicodin is a well-known prescription pain medication that contains a combination of hydrocodone and acetaminophen.
5. 19-Across: The clue says “He shot the sheriff in 1974.” The answer is CLAPTON. Eric Clapton, the renowned English musician and guitarist, released a famous cover of the song “I Shot the Sheriff” in 1974.
6. 28-Down: The clue is “Courtroom figs.” The answer is ATTYS. This is an abbreviation for attorneys, which are legal professionals who represent clients in court.
7. 32-Down: The clue states “Geological period ending about 65 million years ago.” The answer is MESOZOIC. The Mesozoic era, characterized by the dominance of dinosaurs, came to an end with the mass extinction event often associated with the extinction of the dinosaurs.
8. 37-Across: The clue is “Sudden increase in wind speed.” The answer is GUST. A gust refers to a brief and intense burst of wind speed, often more powerful than the prevailing wind.
9. 39-Across: The clue is “Zeros.” The answer is NADAS. Nada is a Spanish word meaning “nothing,” often used informally to refer to a zero or absence of something.
10. 43-Across: The clue states “Spooky.” The answer is EERIE. Eerie is an adjective used to describe something that is strange, unsettling, or filled with a sense of the supernatural.
11. 53-Across: The clue says “Mammals with no incisors.” The answer is ANT-EATERS. Ant-eaters are unique creatures that lack incisor teeth and primarily feed on ants and termites.
These are just a few of the hints and answers for today’s NYT Connections crossword puzzle. By starting with these clues, you can gain momentum and make headway into solving the entire puzzle. Remember to consult the crossword grid for intersecting letters that may help you fill in other answers.
Crossword puzzles are not only a fun way to pass the time but also provide an excellent mental workout. So, whether you’re a seasoned crossword solver or a beginner looking to challenge yourself, the NYT Connections puzzle is a great choice. Happy solving!
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