Four by Four hints ·
Hints for the Four by Four puzzle
Open one hint at a time for each group. Hints go from a vague nudge to nearly naming the category, and each group stays hidden until you choose to reveal it. Play this puzzle.
The sixteen words
WHISK · JOKE · DIAPER · TEAL · AZURE · LADLE · SPATULA · DESSERTS · CODE · GRATER · DRAWER · COBALT · CASE · SAFE · SPOOL · NAVY
Group 1
Hint 1: A nudge
Everyday objects, each with a grip at one end.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
You'd reach for these while making dinner.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Handheld helpers for stirring, flipping and shredding.
Group 2
Hint 1: A nudge
One color family.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Think sky, sea and deep ink.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Darker and lighter versions of a single cool hue.
Group 3
Hint 1: A nudge
A single verb fits all four.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
The verb suggests something sealed suddenly giving way.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Burglars, comedians and detectives all do this.
Group 4
Hint 1: A nudge
Each of these quietly conceals a second word.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
All the letters you need are already there; the sequence is the problem.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Read each one from its last letter back to its first, and you'll turn up loops, a reward and someone under pressure.