Stuck. We all are. Sometimes.
It’s tricky today. Number 1830. You need the hints or you’re going to stare at your phone for another ten minutes. Do not peek yet if you value your sanity. Just go read another article. Or check the Mini Crossword. Those are usually easier.
Here is how today’s puzzle breaks down.
The Hints
Let’s get straight to it. No fluff.
The answer has five letters. Standard procedure.
- One letter repeats itself. Don’t assume it’s at the end.
- You’re looking for one vowel. Just one. Plus a sometimes-vowel (looking at you, Y).
- It starts with a C. Cold open.
- It ends with a Y.
What’s common at Indian restaurants?
That last hint is the kicker. It refers to a popular dish. Think curry. Not kofta. Not naan. Something that makes the menu easy.
The Answer
Stop scrolling if you haven’t guessed it yet.
CURRY
That’s it. C-U-R-R-Y. Two R’s in the middle. Fits all the boxes.
Yesterday’s was OVATE. You remember that. Or you don’t. Last week was a rollercoaster: ENTRY, EMOJI, DRAKE, ALIBI. Some of those were brutal. Today? Not so bad if you liked Indian food for lunch.
Starting Smart
Why start with “apple”? Makes no sense.
Lean into the frequencies. English loves E, A, and R. Hate Q, Z, J in your first try unless you’re feeling spicy.
Try these. They cover bases without wasting guesses:
- ADIEU
- TRAIN
- CLOSE
- STARE
- NOISE
Pick one. Delete it if you want. Just pick one and move on.
Sometimes you get it on the second guess. Sometimes you get five grays. Life happens. Play again tomorrow.
