Issue #340 Fri 3 May
Connections hints — May 3, 2024
A steady climb today, with a few linguistic traps that demand a sharp eye for word endings. The grid offers a classic mix of direct synonyms and common phrasing patterns.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The neon sign flickering above the sidewalk, the velvet rope, and the quiet wait for the doors to unlock at dusk.
Urban nightlife
Direct synonyms
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters B, C, D, L.
NIGHTSPOTS
One is BAR.
BAR · CLUB · DISCO · LOUNGE
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A winter coat left on the back of a chair, or the heavy bag you leave at the curb for the morning truck.
Discarding items
Direct synonyms
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters D, L, S.
CAST OFF
One is DITCH.
DITCH · DROP · LOSE · SHED
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
The brass marking on a nautical chart or the notches carved into a wooden ruler.
Measurement systems
Direct synonyms
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters F, L, Y.
UNITS OF LENGTH
One is FATHOM.
FATHOM · FOOT · LEAGUE · YARD
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A handwritten sign taped to a telephone pole, or the bins of mismatched books out on the sidewalk.
Compound phrases
Common suffixes
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters B, C, G, S.
___ SALE
One is BAKE.
BAKE · CLEARANCE · GARAGE · SAMPLE