It is June 15.
The numbers say 834. If you need a hand with the New York Times Strands, this is where you start. You want answers for the Mini Crossword or Wordle? Go to the main page. We have those too. Connections as well.
My daughter walks at high school today. It is a big day.
This puzzle actually hits home. Her classmates have been through a lot lately. Some of them probably need to hear that they can keep going. The grid reflects that spirit. Some of these words are twisted up tight. Hard to unscramble. Read on if you are stuck.
Moving mountains is hard. Talking them down is harder.
Today’s Clues
The theme today?
Moving mountains.
If that sounds too abstract, try this. Think about encouraging words. The kind you shout across a crowded field. Or whisper into a headset before the big play.
Finding the Hints
You need three words. Four letters each. Minimum.
Strands gives you a theme hint when you hit that mark. Any words work. I just used whatever popped out first. No need to overthink it.
COME, VOTE, HARE. THIN, MUST, HIVE.
Found them all? The game helps you.
The Answers
Here is the meat of the puzzle. These are the theme answers. You have to find every single one. The letters will then glow. If you miss one, the board stays gray. It’s annoying.
QUASH
CONQUER
OVERCOME
SURMOUNT
VANQUISH
Five words. That’s the list.
And the big one. The Spangram. The word that stretches across the whole grid. It starts with a Y. The very first Y in the top left corner. Trace the line down and around.
YOUVEGOTTHIS
Doesn’t get more literal than that.
The Pain Points
Not all days are created equal. I’ve played this thing for months. Some topics hit harder than others.
- Dated slang. Forget it. Most of us weren’t around when this was cool. The killer word is PHAT.
- Whale talk. Unless you study marine biology, skip this one. BALEEN. Or RIGHT.
So.
Your daughter is done with high school. She is moving her mountains.
You’ve got this too.
