Issue #460 Mon 30 Dec
Strands hints — December 30, 2024
A Monday morning grid that demands a steady hand and a patient eye. Today's puzzle offers a quiet space to organize the chaos of the board.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The ink-stained desk where a thousand rough drafts are crossed out, rearranged, and finally set in their proper order.
Formal music and structural design.
THE ART OF ARRANGING PARTS INTO A WHOLE
Spangram 4 nudges · 11 letters
The connector word
A single eleven-letter noun.
11 letters.
Starts with C, ends with N.
COMPOSITION
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (8 letters)
- 2 O (8 letters)
- 3 P (7 letters)
- 4 S (6 letters)
- 5 S (8 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CO (8 letters)
- 2 OV (8 letters)
- 3 PR (7 letters)
- 4 SO (6 letters)
- 5 SY (8 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
A solo instrument takes the spotlight against the backdrop of an entire ensemble.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
CONCERTO
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
The rising curtain and the initial notes that signal the start of a longer work.
8 letters.
Starts with O.
Starts with OV.
OVERTURE
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
An opening act that sets the tone before the main event begins.
7 letters.
Starts with P.
Starts with PR.
PRELUDE
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A structured musical piece typically written for one or two instruments.
6 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SO.
SONATA
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
The full weight of an orchestra working in perfect lockstep.
8 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SY.
SYMPHONY