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Today’s NYT Strands #397 may have had many solisters second-guessing their gut reactions. With the opening word ‘Step on it!’, you could be forgiven for expecting speed-themed answers for this puzzle. But in a brilliant misdirection, the puzzle takes the theme literally, asking you to investigate the very things we step on every single day.
From concrete’s industrial chic to hardwood’s homey warmth, today’s puzzle is an ode to flooring, those unsung heroes beneath our feet. From walking barefoot on balmy laminate or oohing over the clever patterns of terrazzo, each answer today features a different kind of surface supporting our every step.
The command ‘Step on it!’ normally commands promptness, but the true genius of today’s theme is in its down-to-earth interpretation. Each concealed word in this puzzle is a form of flooring, a reminder that even the most nondescript aspects of our environment have the potential to be a springboard for creativity, and challenge.
Struggling to find your footing? These hints will take you in the right direction:
Hint 1: A robust origin, frequently found in sidewalks and basements.
Hint 2: A mosaic-like floor that shines with heritage.
Hint 3: A cosy favourite discovered in living rooms and cabins.
Hint 4: A smooth, timeless surface crafted from linseed oil.
Hint 5: An inexpensive, contemporary alternative that reproduces the authentic article.
Want to collect clue tokens prior to embarking? Try entering words like:
NEARER, DOTE, DRAIN, WHERE, METAL, RAIL, TEAM, MALE, LAME
Today’s Spangram: FLOORING
At the center of today’s puzzle is the spangram FLOORING, tying all the answers together and pointing directly toward the theme. It’s the scientific thread that ties the puzzle together, reminding solvers to glance not forward, but downward.
All the Answers to Strands #397
Still stuck? Here are all six words uncovered in today’s puzzle:
FLOORING (spangram)
CONCRETE: Tough and reliable
TERRAZZO: Ornate and ageless
HARDWOOD: Cozy and traditional
LINOLEUM: Old-fashioned but green
LAMINATE: Classy and budget-friendly
Although today’s Strands did not transport you to a world of speed or haste, it rooted you in something more mundane: the familiar. This puzzle was a subtle paean to the surfaces that hold us up, reminding us that even the floor we stand on has a story, texture, and function.
So the next time you sense the smooth grain of hardwood or hear the soft echo on concrete, you may find yourself thinking of this puzzle—and grinning at how clever a simple theme can be.
Return tomorrow for more clever turns, new themes, and brain-twisting fun with the NYT Strands!
