NYT Connections Hint - June 25, 2025

Hey there, word wizards! 🌟 Today's Connections puzzle had me scratching my head—especially with the fun cheese category! I mean, who doesn’t love cheese? And the birds minus their last letters? Such a clever twist! It got me reminiscing about camping trips where I could barely tell a crane from a flamingo—nature’s little mix-ups are always a hoot!

Word Explanations

• CRAN

  • A crane is a tall, elegant bird known for its grace—minus the 'e', you get 'cran'. They migrate in beautiful formations and symbolize longevity in many cultures. Did you know? They even do a dance during mating, making them quite the show-offs!

• CUP

  • Ahh, the CUP—a simple yet essential item for enjoying your favorite drinks! Whether it's for coffee, tea, or that refreshing iced lemonade on a hot day, who can live without it? Plus, it's an awesome canvas for cool designs and slogans!

• RASP

  • The RASP is a woodshaper's best friend! It's this hand tool with a rough surface used for smoothing wood. Just picture a craftsman bringing an idea to life with it. Fun fact: the name comes from an old Middle English word meaning 'to scrape'.

• RAVE

  • With 'rave', we channel our inner party animal! Originally meaning a wild celebration, it brings to mind those vibrant music festivals. Now, minus that last 'e', and you have a nifty little twist on a bird's name. Isn’t language just fun?

• STRAW

  • A STRAW is more than just a drinking accessory; it's a direct line to sipping sweet beverages! Think fun smoothies, milkshakes, and iced coffees. Plus, I always keep a few extra in my bag when I’m on the go—you never know when a drink will need one!

• GOAT

  • The GOAT (greatest of all time) isn’t just a farm animal. It’s also something we call legends in sports and music! And when it comes to cheese, goat cheese gives a tangy flavor to salads or pizzas—definitely a popular choice!

• HERO

  • HERO can mean a savior or just someone you look up to. Minus that last letter, it makes for a cute bird reference. Ever seen a heroic cricket play? Just kidding—back to our fluffy friends!

• BLUE

  • BLUE can describe a color or a feeling, but in the cheese world, it means a strong, flavorful delight! Blue cheese crumbles make salads feel fancy. Remember those blue veins? They can elevate any dish—they're like nature's art!

• PLANE

  • The PLANE is indispensable for smoothing out surfaces in woodworking. It’s kind of amazing how something so simple and manual can bring perfection to an imperfect piece of wood. Much like how words sometimes polish our thoughts!

• LID

  • A LID—most often seen as a cover for cups, jars, and containers. They keep our drinks from spilling, right? And if you’re like me, you sometimes struggle to find one that fits! 😄 But they do have their charm when keeping leftover pizza warm!

• JACK

  • JACK cheese, or Monterey Jack, is a smooth, creamy delight that pairs perfectly with almost anything. It’s quite versatile—great for melting on nachos or just snacking while binging your favorite show!

• SAW

  • The SAW is essential for cutting materials! Whether you like tackling DIY projects or planning to build a birdhouse, it’s one of the most satisfying tools to use. Careful, though—you don’t want it to bite back! 😅

• FLAMING

  • FLAMINGo—yet another bird shape-shifting into words! Known for their vibrant pink feathers, these beauties strut around and often brighten up any zoo visit. Talk about being fabulous and colorful!

• NAPKIN

  • A NAPKIN is a necessity at any dining table, making sure we don’t make disasters on our clothes while eating! Plus, they're handy for all those crumbs we might drop during an eager taste-testing. Yum! 🍽

• CHISEL

  • The CHISEL is a sculptor's delight for carving and shaping solid materials. If you’ve ever seen stone statues being made, it’s often with chisels that the magic happens! It’s remarkable how artistry comes alive with such simple tools.

• SWISS

  • Finally, SWISS is not just a cheese with holes—it’s a whole world of flavors! It’s smooth and creamy, making it a staple in sandwiches and a perfect cheese fondue companion. How could one resist its charm?

Theme Hints

1. KINDS OF CHEESES

   • Think creamy, tangy, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness—all of these types will elevate any snack!

2. BEVERAGE SELF-SERVICE ITEMS

   • Think about what you’d need to enjoy your drink without a waiter—these are key!

3. WOODWORKING HAND TOOLS

   • If you're into DIY, you'll recognize these as must-haves in the workshop.

4. BIRDS MINUS LAST LETTER

   • Think 'fly high' but also how words can change shape. Take off their last letters and see what you get!

Answers Explanation

Another day, another fun mix of challenges! I loved seeing all the cheese varieties pop up and recall those fond picnic moments. Let's keep connecting over these words, and catch you all tomorrow for more puzzle fun! 🧩