What happens when a clue leads you down the wrong path? In the case of the rotary clipper from the NYT Connections puzzle, it cleverly misleads players into thinking they’re solving one thing, while it’s really about another. The puzzle—published on April 27, 2026—challenges players to sort 16 words into four thematic groups, but this particular clue fits snugly into a category of phrases that end with NBA team names.
The puzzle featured four distinct groups: salad ingredients, classic films, The Simpsons characters, and phrases ending in NBA players. It’s like a game of hide and seek with words—each answer must connect to a theme without any labels to guide you. The Connections Bot helps players track their progress, offering scores and insights after each attempt. But in this case, the answers in the NBA players group included Raging Bull, Regina King, roe buck, and yes—rotary clipper.
Imagine sitting down with your morning coffee, ready to tackle this brain teaser. You see “rotary clipper” and think of haircuts or maybe even a quirky gadget from a classic film. Yet, it’s not about that at all. Each answer in this group ends with a surname shared by an NBA team—a twist that keeps players on their toes. The challenge isn’t just recognizing the words; it’s figuring out how they fit together inside the same frame.
The NYT Connections puzzle has quickly gained popularity since its launch alongside Wordle and traditional crossword puzzles. Players relish the thrill of piecing together clues while navigating through different categories. The color-coded difficulty system adds another layer—yellow is for beginners, while purple is reserved for those who thrive on challenge.
This particular puzzle came with hints that pointed players toward several very different categories. And yet—despite these clues—many found themselves second-guessing their choices as they tried to make sense of the connections. It’s a testament to how language can bend perceptions and lead us astray.
As puzzlers dissected their answers, one question loomed large: What pattern will be hiding in plain sight tomorrow? Each day brings new challenges and fresh clues waiting to be unraveled. With every completed puzzle, there’s a sense of accomplishment mixed with curiosity about what lies ahead.
The rotary clipper may have been just one clue among many, but it serves as a reminder of the joy—and frustration—of word games. As players dive deeper into these puzzles, they not only sharpen their minds but also connect with each other through shared experiences and clever discoveries.
In this world of puzzles where creativity meets logic, there’s always something new to explore. The next round awaits—who knows what surprises will come next?