Connections Answers

Friday, May 22, 2026

1

REACH BACK OUT

These words all describe different ways to contact someone again after a period of time or a previous interaction.
Individual words:
CHECK IN: To contact someone briefly to see how they are doing, if they need anything, or to update them. It's a quick check on their status or progress.
FOLLOW UP: To contact someone again after a previous conversation or action. This is to get an update, provide more information, or ensure a task is complete.
RECONNECT: To get back in touch with someone you haven't spoken to for a long time, like an old friend or colleague, to renew your relationship.
TOUCH BASE: To have a brief meeting or conversation with someone. It's usually a quick contact to discuss something, share information, or get an update.
2

THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE

These words describe common, often unspoken, ways people behave or interact in a society or group. They are unwritten guides for our actions.
Individual words:
CONVENTION: An accepted way of doing things, often in a group or society. For example, it's a convention to shake hands when you meet someone new.
CUSTOM: A traditional way of behaving or doing something in a specific culture or community. For example, celebrating holidays in a certain way is a custom.
SOCIAL NORM: An unwritten rule or expectation about how people should act in society. Like waiting in line or saying 'please' and 'thank you'.
UNWRITTEN RULE: A common rule everyone understands and follows, even though it's not formally written down. Like not interrupting others when they speak.
3

PLACES WITH CONVEYOR BELTS

These are all places where items move along a continuous belt or surface, called a conveyor belt, for people to interact with them.
Individual words:
ASSEMBLY LINE: In a factory, this is a moving belt where products are built step-by-step. Workers add different parts as the item passes by each station.
BAGGAGE CLAIM: At an airport, after your flight, you go here to pick up your checked luggage. Your suitcase comes out on a moving belt.
CHECKOUT LANE: In a supermarket or store, this is where you pay for your items. You often place your groceries on a small moving belt to the cashier.
REVOLVING SUSHI BAR: This is a restaurant where plates of sushi move slowly on a conveyor belt past customers. You pick the plates you want directly from the belt.
4

STARTING WITH NAME HOMOPHONES

Each phrase starts with a word that sounds exactly like a common English name, but is spelled differently (a homophone). For example, 'Carry-on' sounds like 'Carrie-on'.
Individual words:
CARRY-ON: A small bag or suitcase that you are allowed to take with you inside the passenger area of an airplane, not in the cargo hold.
EL NIÑO: A climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean that happens every few years, causing unusual weather around the world, like heavy rain or drought.
LOOSEY-GOOSEY: This means very relaxed, informal, or not strict. For example, a 'loosey-goosey' plan is flexible and easygoing.
TAILOR-MADE: Something made specially for one person or purpose, fitting perfectly. Like clothes made by a 'tailor' (person who makes clothes), but also for ideas.
NYT Connections Answers for Friday, May 22, 2026 | ESL Explanations | NYT Games ESL