The Nov. 4 edition of NYT Connections, puzzle #1242, includes words with meanings ranging from household tasks and objects to shapes, movement and materials. Understanding their different uses can help players look for connections without giving away the answers.
“Bleach” means to remove color or stains, while “iron” is a heated appliance used to smooth fabric. “Tumble dry” refers to machine-drying clothes, and “wring” means squeezing or twisting something tightly.
Several clues can refer to triangular shapes or objects. A “doorstop” can hold a door in place or limit its swing; the Flatiron Building is a thin, triangular skyscraper in New York City; a “pie slice” is a triangular portion of a pie; and a “wedge” is a triangular object used to split, lift, secure or divide materials.
The remaining words have varied meanings. “Loll” describes reclining or hanging in a relaxed or drooping way, while “poke” means to jab or prod. A “putter” is a golf club used for short shots along the grass, and to “shuffle” is to rearrange items into a different order.
“Cracker” can mean a crisp, flat biscuit; “fly” can describe moving through the air or traveling in an aircraft or spacecraft; “wood” is the fibrous material found in trees and shrubs; and “works” means operates or functions.
Sources: Mashable.