Issue #994 Sat 30 May
Strands hints — May 30, 2026
Today's grid is a patient, steady climb. It rewards those who take the time to scan the board methodically.
Theme 3 reveals
Today's theme
The spare key left under the mat for when you lose your own.
Interpersonal bonds and social connection
CLOSE COMPANIONS
Spangram 4 nudges · 11 letters
The connector word
Two-word noun phrase
11 letters.
Starts with G, ends with S.
GOOD FRIENDS
Group hint 1 reveal
Show all starting letters
Starting letters
- 1 C (6 letters)
- 2 H (7 letters)
- 3 L (5 letters)
- 4 R (8 letters)
- 5 T (11 letters)
Group hint 1 reveal
Show the first two letters of each
First two letters
- 1 CA (6 letters)
- 2 HE (7 letters)
- 3 LO (5 letters)
- 4 RE (8 letters)
- 5 TR (11 letters)
Theme word 1 of 5 5 nudges · 6 letters
A theme word
A hand on the shoulder when the news is difficult to hear.
6 letters.
Starts with C.
Starts with CA.
CARING
Theme word 2 of 5 5 nudges · 7 letters
A theme word
The person who actually shows up with a truck on moving day.
7 letters.
Starts with H.
Starts with HE.
HELPFUL
Theme word 3 of 5 5 nudges · 5 letters
A theme word
Sticking by someone long after the initial excitement has faded.
5 letters.
Starts with L.
Starts with LO.
LOYAL
Theme word 4 of 5 5 nudges · 8 letters
A theme word
Whatever you set the night before is what gets you up—for better or worse.
8 letters.
Starts with R.
Starts with RE.
RELIABLE
Theme word 5 of 5 5 nudges · 11 letters
A theme word
The kind of person you entrust with a secret you haven't told anyone else.
11 letters.
Starts with T.
Starts with TR.
TRUSTWORTHY