This challenging NYT Connections puzzle (#576, January 7, 2025) presents a set of seemingly unrelated words that must be categorized. This guide provides hints and solutions to help you conquer this brain teaser.
The puzzle words are: A Few, Love, Barbershop, Essays, A Rose, Certain, Enough, A Life, A Deal, Part One, Various, A Cappella, A Novel, Doo-Wop, Some, and Madrigal.
Solving Strategies & Hints:
-
No Initial Letter or "A..." Themes: The categories aren't based on starting letters or phrases beginning with "A".
-
Key Word Pairings: "Part One" and "A Novel" belong together. "Love" and "Enough" are in the same category.
Category Solutions:
Each category solution is presented with hints, followed by the answer and its constituent words.
1. Yellow Category (Easy): Vocal Music
Hint: Think musical styles performed solely with voices.
Answer: A Cappella, Barbershop, Doo-Wop, Madrigal
2. Green Category (Medium): A Handful Of
Hint: Relates to small quantities or a limited number.
Answer: A Few, Certain, Some, Various
3. Blue Category (Hard): Book Subtitles
Hint: Consider phrases that might appear as subtitles in books.
Answer: A Life, A Novel, Essays, Part One
4. Purple Category (Tricky): ___ is ___ (is ____)
Hint: These are phrases structured with repeated words or a word pattern.
Answer: A Deal, A Rose, Enough, Love
Complete Solution:
- Yellow: Vocal Music: A Cappella, Barbershop, Doo-Wop, Madrigal
- Green: A Handful Of: A Few, Certain, Some, Various
- Blue: Book Subtitles: A Life, A Novel, Essays, Part One
- Purple: ___ is ___ (is ____): A Deal, A Rose, Enough, Love
Ready to test your skills? Find the New York Times Games Connections website and give it a try!
