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
BAG · ALARM · DUD · WIND · LEMON · PAN · DIAMOND · FLOP · CIRCLE · DRAIN · SPOOK · RATTLE · BUST · JOLT · OVAL · SQUARE
Group 1
Hint 1: A nudge
Geometry class covers all of these early on.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
You could trace each one with chalk on the pavement.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Think of the outlines a cookie cutter comes in: some round, some with corners.
Group 2
Hint 1: A nudge
Something sudden happens behind you.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Each can describe the effect of an unexpected noise.
Hint 3: Nearly there
All four are verbs for making someone jump.
Group 3
Hint 1: A nudge
Four short words that are waiting for a partner.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
Each becomes a longer, very common word once the same ending is attached.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Finish each one and you get plumbing hardware, a musical instrument, and part of your throat.
Group 4
Hint 1: A nudge
Not every launch goes the way it was planned.
Hint 2: Narrowing it down
One of these looks like it belongs in a fruit bowl, but here it doesn't.
Hint 3: Nearly there
Casual nouns for a product or show that completely failed.