Issue #653 Fri 4 Jul
Strands hints — July 4, 2025
The charcoal is lit, the picnic blanket is spread, and the afternoon stretches out. We have a classic spread waiting to be discovered in this grid.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
Charcoal smoke rising in the evening air, the low hum of conversation, and the long-handled tongs clicking against a hot metal grate.
Outdoor culinary gatherings
OUTDOOR COOKING EVENT
Spangram 4 nudges · 8 letters
The connector word
Eight-letter noun
8 letters.
Starts with B, ends with E.
BARBECUE
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 B (5 letters)
- 2 B (5 letters)
- 3 B (7 letters)
- 4 C (8 letters)
- 5 S (5 letters)
- 6 W (10 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 BE (5 letters)
- 2 BR (5 letters)
- 3 BU (7 letters)
- 4 CO (8 letters)
- 5 SA (5 letters)
- 6 WA (10 letters)
Theme word 1 of 6 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Small, slow-cooked legumes often simmered with bacon and molasses in a heavy iron pot.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BE.
BEANS
Theme word 2 of 6 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
These savory, spiced pork links are a staple of any respectable backyard cookout.
5 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BR.
BRATS
Theme word 3 of 6 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
A thick, seared patty served on a toasted bun with all the standard fixings.
7 letters.
Starts with B.
Starts with BU.
BURGERS
Theme word 4 of 6 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
A crunchy mixture of shredded greens and carrots tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
8 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CO.
COLESLAW
Theme word 5 of 6 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
A chilled bowl of mixed greens, vegetables, and dressing that serves as a fresh side.
5 letters.
Starts with S.
Starts with SA.
SALAD
Theme word 6 of 6 5 nudges · 10 letters
A theme word
A massive, sweet fruit with a thick green rind and juicy, bright red flesh.
10 letters.
Starts with W.
Starts with WA.
WATERMELON