The latest New York Times Strands puzzle, #379, is exceptionally challenging, even for experienced solvers. The connections between hidden words are not straightforward, making it a tough nut to crack. If you’re struggling with the spangram or need hints without spoilers, we’ve got you covered.
The puzzle’s theme is “Sound switching” and can be described as “Garbled words.” To solve it, find four-letter words that fit this description. Every three words will reveal one of the theme words. The original set of clue words includes BEND, GINS, SPOON, and others.
The answers to today’s puzzle are:
– CROW
– SHIPS
– WELLS
– BEDDING
– BLUSHING
– STRICKEN
However, what makes this puzzle truly unique is the spangram – a phrase that spans from one side of the puzzle to the other. The answer to this challenge is SPOONERISMS, named after British clergyman William Archibald Spooner, who famously mangled his words by switching letters.
Two key answers are BLUSHING CROW and BEDDING WELLS, which are actual Spoonerisms for “crushing blow” and “wedding bells,” respectively. The final two answers, STRICKEN CHIPS and SPOONERISMS, form a Spoonerism as well – “chicken strips.”
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/lets-explain-that-tough-nyt-strands-puzzle-for-march-17-379