NYT Strands puzzle #273, for Sunday, December 1, 2024, has the theme “Old hang-ups.” Start with the graduated hints below if you want a nudge before revealing the six telephone-related answers and the spangram, ROTARYPHONE.
Hints for the December 1 Strands puzzle
Use these from least to most revealing. Stop when you have enough to keep solving.
- Theme: “Old hang-ups.”
- In-game hint words: SEVERE, CHIT, CHOIR, GREED, LION, CARD. Find three non-theme words in the grid to earn a hint that highlights a theme word.
- Spangram clue: “Pick up if you’re there.”
- Spangram route: It starts on the right side in the fourth row and ends on the left side in the third row.
Answers for NYT Strands #273
Spoilers below. The six theme words are:
- RECEIVER
- SWITCH
- DIAL
- CRADLE
- HANDSET
- RINGER
Spangram: ROTARYPHONE
How the answers fit the theme
The theme points to parts and mechanisms associated with an older telephone. The cradle supports the handset; the dial enters a number; the receiver is held to the ear; and the ringer announces an incoming call. “Handset” names the combined listening-and-speaking piece, while the switch connects or disconnects a call.
How Strands hints work
Strands is a six-by-eight letter-grid word search built around a daily theme. Trace theme words through adjacent letters. The spangram captures the theme and runs between two opposite edges of the grid. Finding three words that are not theme answers can unlock an in-game hint highlighting one theme word.
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