This challenging NYT Connections puzzle (#576, January 7, 2025) stumped many players. Let's break down the solution. The goal is to categorize sixteen words into four groups based on a common theme.
The 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.
Here's the solution, with hints to guide you through the thought process:
General Hints:
- The categories aren't based on starting letters or phrases beginning with "A".
- "Part One" and "A Novel" belong together.
- "Love" and "Enough" share a category.
Category Solutions:
1. Yellow (Easy): Vocal Music
Hint: Think about musical styles that use only voices.
Answer: A Cappella, Barbershop, Doo-Wop, Madrigal
2. Green (Medium): A Handful Of
Hint: Consider words that represent small quantities or a limited number.
Answer: A Few, Certain, Some, Various
3. Blue (Hard): Book Subtitles
Hint: Think of phrases that might appear as subtitles or subheadings in books.
Answer: A Life, A Novel, Essays, Part One
4. Purple (Tricky): X is X (is X)
Hint: Focus on phrases with repeated words or a repetitive structure.
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: X is X (is X): A Deal, A Rose, Enough, Love
Ready to test your skills? Find the New York Times Games Connections puzzle online!