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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →NYT Strands puzzle #442 for Monday, May 19, 2025, has the theme “Taking the bait.” Start with the hints below if you want help without seeing the solution; the spangram and all five theme words are farther down under a spoiler warning.
Hints for Strands #442
Start with the theme clue
The published clue is “A sport but also for food.”
Need a stronger hint?
Think about what you might find in the water. The spangram runs mostly vertically, according to Parade.
Spoilers: May 19 Strands answers
Stop here if you do not want the answers revealed.
Spangram: SOMETHINGSFISHY (also written “SOMETHING’S FISHY”).
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Theme words: MACKEREL, TROUT, SALMON, SNAPPER, HALIBUT.
How the answers fit the theme
The five theme words are fish names, tying the board to “Taking the bait.” The spangram, SOMETHINGSFISHY, turns that connection into a familiar phrase. Strands is a word-search-style game: letters in the grid can be connected in any direction, and finding words outside the theme can earn hints. Its spangram describes the theme and reaches across the board.
The solution is corroborated by Parade, Forbes, and the HintPulse archive. Try Hard Guides describes the game format and hint mechanic. These are secondary answer listings; the original NYT page for this dated puzzle was not located.
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