Connections Answers

Thursday, March 12, 2026

1

PLACES TO FIND SAND

These are all places or objects where you can typically find sand.
Individual words:
BUNKER: In golf, a 'bunker' is a hole filled with sand, a common obstacle on a golf course. Players try to avoid hitting their ball into it.
DESERT: A 'desert' is a very dry, empty area of land, often covered with a lot of sand. Think of places like the Sahara.
HOURGLASS: An 'hourglass' is an old device for measuring time. It has two glass bulbs connected, and sand flows from the top bulb to the bottom.
SANDBOX: A 'sandbox' is a shallow box filled with sand, usually in a park or backyard. Children love to play in it with toys.
2

THINGS THAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH

These words describe objects or actions that involve a repetitive motion from one side to the other.
Individual words:
METRONOME: A device musicians use. It makes a steady 'tick-tock' sound and has a moving arm that swings back and forth to help keep time.
PENDULUM: A weight hanging from a string or rod, swinging freely from side to side. You often see it inside old grandfather clocks keeping time.
SWING: A playground seat hanging from chains or ropes. You sit on it and push to move yourself back and forth in the air.
WINDSHIELD WIPER: A device on a car's front window (windshield) that moves back and forth. It has a rubber blade to clear away rain or dirt.
3

APPARATUS-BASED EXERCISE CLASSES

These are names for popular group exercise classes in America where participants use specific equipment or a 'machine' (an 'apparatus') to perform the workout.
Individual words:
BARRE: This class uses a stationary handrail, called a barre (like in ballet), for support. Exercises blend ballet, yoga, and Pilates, focusing on small movements to build strength and flexibility.
REFORMER: This refers to a large, specialized machine used in Pilates classes. It has a sliding carriage and springs, offering resistance for various exercises that build core strength and flexibility.
SPIN: This is a high-energy group exercise class done on special stationary bicycles, often called 'spin bikes.' An instructor guides you through a challenging cycling workout with music.
STEP: This class uses a raised platform called a 'step.' Participants move up, down, and around the step in rhythmic patterns, often to music, for a cardio (heart-strengthening) workout.
4

FEATURING BIRDS

Each item either has a bird as part of its design, as its main symbol, or as its famous mascot.
Individual words:
CUCKOO CLOCK: A traditional clock where a small mechanical bird, a cuckoo, comes out and makes a "cuckoo" sound to announce the time, often every hour.
FROOT LOOPS: A popular American breakfast cereal. Its box and advertisements feature a colorful cartoon bird mascot called Toucan Sam.
MEXICAN FLAG: The official flag of Mexico. In its center, there is an important emblem showing a golden eagle eating a snake on a cactus.
WEATHER VANE: A device often found on the top of buildings, usually shaped like a rooster. It spins to show which direction the wind is blowing.
NYT Connections Answers for Thursday, March 12, 2026 | ESL Explanations | NYT Games ESL