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
TAR · TABLET · CHESTNUT · BEDLAM · HIGH · COTTAGE · CAR · SPOT · LEOPARD · PARK · CHEETAH · TIGER · LION · HOP · DAY · MOON
Group 1
Hint 1: A nudge
Each of these is known for stealth, speed, or strength out in the wild.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
You might spot them on a safari or in the predator house at a zoo.
Hint 3: Nearly there
All four are large wild members of the cat family.
Group 2
Hint 1: A nudge
Each of these feels unfinished, as if waiting for a partner.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
The same short word tacked onto the end of every one makes a familiar compound.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Completed, each becomes something that shines, glows, or is lit up.
Group 3
Hint 1: A nudge
Forget the meanings here and look at the letters instead.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Something smaller is tucked inside each of these, spelled out in order.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Each one conceals a piece you would find in a furnished room.
Group 4
Hint 1: A nudge
A single letter is the whole trick.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Put one consonant in front of each and you land on a completely different word.
Hint 3: Nearly there
The same hissing letter at the start turns every one of these into something new.