January 20, 2025

NYT Connections Hint - January 20, 2025

Hey there, fellow word wranglers! 🌟 Today’s Connections puzzle kicked off with a sweet surprise—cookies, anyone? I mean, who doesn't love a good cookie? Reminds me of those bake sales in school where I would totally overindulge. But enough about my sugar cravings! Let’s tackle these words together, shall we?

Word Explanations

  • COOKIE

    • A delightful treat that brings smiles to faces! It's amazing how one cookie can transport you back to childhood memories, like sneaking one from the jar before dinner. Did you know cookies date back to the 7th century? Talk about a timeless classic!

  • BEAR

    • This word packs a punch! To 'bear' something means to take on a responsibility, much like carrying a backpack full of snacks on a hike. Just don't forget the water, folks! Fun fact: the word 'bear' has Old English roots meaning 'to carry or produce.'

  • SPINACH

    • Ah, the leafy green hero! Associated with Popeye, this veggie makes you feel strong (not that I'll be punching any sea monsters anytime soon). Just imagine grinning like Popeye after a big bowl of wilty spinach—what a look! Plus, it’s packed with nutrients.

  • SHOULDER

    • Every shoulder has a story—like that time you carried your friend’s backpack because they ‘forgot’ theirs. To shoulder a burden is to take on responsibility, and sometimes it feels like a lot, but hey, we’re all in this together!

  • CROOK

    • This word is all about those curves—in a fun way! A crook can refer to something bent, like a shepherd's crook, or the act of bending a rule. Just don't get any sneaky ideas! This word brings back memories of trying to draw mystical shapes in art class.

  • ANCHOR

    • Besides being a vital piece of a ship, 'anchor' is a term that grounds us. It reminds me of the friends who keep you steady during storms—life anchors! And let’s not forget, it also brings to mind those thrilling pirates movies!

  • ELBOW

    • This joint does more than just flex at the gym! It’s also a term for those awkward moments when you accidentally poke someone in the ribs while reaching for popcorn. 😂 Elbows help us bend, lift, and also... help us nudge people for a snack!

  • CHEAT

    • Oh, the sneaky side of games! To cheat means to gain an unfair advantage, and I’ve seen some creative strategies in my time, like hiding answers at the bottom of my shoe during trivia! Just remember, integrity is key, folks. đŸ€«

  • PIPE

    • Whether you think of a pipe as a plumbing fixture or the one that feeds you delicious smoke from a tobacco blend in holidays past, here’s a reminder: pipes can lead to good times but also to unexpected messes!

  • HANDLE

    • 'Handle' is one of those words we often take for granted. It can mean to manage something or simply that little part of a mug that helps us sip our coffee without spilling it everywhere. Phew! Handle with care, my friends!

  • BEND

    • Bending is like flexibility in life. It means adapting to the situations thrown your way—like bending down to tie your shoe while balancing groceries. We all have our bends, and that’s totally okay!

  • FOREARM

    • Our forearms are hardworking parts of our arms that help us lift, pull, and show off in arm wrestling matches! Did you know training your forearms can improve your grip strength? Now, that’s a fun workout tip!

  • FITTED

    • Fitted is all about that perfect snugness—like finding the right hat that feels just right on your head. Who doesn’t love when clothes fit just the way you want? It’s like a warm hug in textile form!

  • ANGLE

    • Angles are what make structures strong and art dynamic! Whether we're cutting corners (not literally!) or finding the right view, angles show us that there’s always a different perspective to life. It's a geometry treasure box!

  • ASSUME

    • 'Assume' often makes an... well, you know the saying! This word reminds me of how we shouldn't jump to conclusions without knowing the facts. Let’s keep an open mind, right? Life’s too short for assumptions!

  • BALANCE

    • Finding balance is like walking a tightrope! It's all about making sure that both sides of your life are in harmony—like juggling work and play or cookies and spinach (I still prefer the cookies!).

Theme Hints

  1. TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

    • Think about the weight of duties and how they rest upon your shoulders!

  2. CORNERS

    • Think about shapes and turns; where do edges meet?

  3. ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

    • Think of what makes a sailor strong and what powers him up!

  4. ___ SHEET

    • Think of what helps you keep track or might be part of a baked treat!

Answers Explanation

Click to reveal answers!

  1. TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

    :ASSUME,BEAR,HANDLE,SHOULDER

    • These words revolve around the idea of responsibility, like how we pick up groceries or handle family issues. To 'bear' something is to take it on fully, much like a backpack that's just a bit too heavy on a long hike!

  2. CORNERS

    :ANGLE,BEND,CROOK,ELBOW

    • These words relate to corners and curves. An 'elbow' bends in a corner, and so does a 'crook'. And the best part? You can have fun drawing these shapes. They can take you anywhere —whether corners of a street or a piece of art!

  3. ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

    :ANCHOR,FOREARM,PIPE,SPINACH

    • These words are all about our favorite sailor! 'Spinach' makes Popeye strong, while 'anchor' keeps his ship steady. And who could forget the iconic 'pipe' that he puffs on? It's a whole world of maritime mischief!

  4. ___ SHEET

    :BALANCE,CHEAT,COOKIE,FITTED

    • These words fit perfectly in this category as something you can measure or identify to keep everything aligned, from the taste of a delicious cookie to the balance of life’s ingredients. And hey, who doesn’t love a fitted sheet?

So, that’s a wrap on today’s Connections puzzle! I must say, tackling these categories from baked goods to our inner Popeye has been a blast. đŸȘ🐟 Remember to have a balanced life and don’t forget to have fun with those puzzles! Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow for more word wizardry!