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
WHINE · TONGUE · KNIGHT · BEAGLE · PSALM · GNOME · WRIST · MOAN · HEEL · TERRIER · GRUMBLE · POODLE · BOXER · CARP · SOLE · LACE
Group 1
Hint 1: A nudge
More than one of these words has a second life meaning something else entirely.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Think of names you might hear called out across a park on a Saturday morning.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Four four-legged companions, each a recognized pedigree type.
Group 2
Hint 1: A nudge
Nobody enjoys being on the receiving end of it.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Do it long enough and someone will tell you to stop.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Four words for airing a grievance out loud.
Group 3
Hint 1: A nudge
Look down.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Several of these double as body parts.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Each names a component of a sneaker or boot.
Group 4
Hint 1: A nudge
Meaning will not help you here; these belong together for how they are built.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Pay attention to where each word begins, not to what it means.
Hint 3: Nearly there
The opening letter of each one is written but never pronounced.