NYT Connections Hints for May 17, 2026 (#1148)
Game
STEEP
PRIMARY
STRAIN
STIFF
HIGH
MAIN
FLEECE
GRAMMAR
HOSE
PIPE
SQUEEZE
BOIL
LINE
GRADE
POUR
DUCT
Categories
Hints by Category
CONDUIT
Back to CategoriesA channel or passage for conveying fluids or cables
DUCT
A tube or passage for air, fluids, or cables; often used in HVAC or electrical systems.
LINE
A long, narrow mark or a pipe/cable used to convey something, like a water line or power line.
MAIN
The principal pipe or cable in a system, such as a water main or gas main.
PIPE
A hollow cylinder used to convey liquids, gases, or other substances.
SWINDLE
Back to CategoriesTo cheat or defraud someone
FLEECE
To swindle or overcharge someone; to take their money through deception.
HOSE
Slang meaning to cheat, trick, or swindle someone, often in a financial context.
SQUEEZE
To pressure someone, often financially, to extract money or favors; can mean to extort.
STIFF
To cheat someone by not paying them what is owed, e.g., to stiff a waiter on a tip.
TEA-MAKING VERBS
Back to CategoriesActions involved in preparing tea
BOIL
To heat water until it reaches 100°C (212°F), essential for brewing tea.
POUR
To transfer hot water from a kettle into a cup or teapot containing tea leaves or a bag.
STEEP
To allow tea leaves or a tea bag to soak in hot water to extract flavor.
STRAIN
To separate the liquid tea from the tea leaves or bag, often using a strainer.
"SCHOOL" MODIFIERS
Back to CategoriesWords that modify 'school' to describe different types of educational institutions
GRADE
A school for young children, typically covering kindergarten through 5th or 8th grade (e.g., grade school).
GRAMMAR
A school that emphasizes classical education, especially grammar; in the UK, a type of secondary school (e.g., grammar school).
HIGH
A secondary school for older students, typically grades 9-12 (e.g., high school).
PRIMARY
The first stage of formal education, usually for children aged 5-11 (e.g., primary school).