Strands Hints for September 24, 2026
The theme clue, decoded in steps. Reveal a word and it lights up on the board.
“Just outside your door”
What does the clue mean?
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Blue: theme words you’ve revealed. Yellow: the spangram.
Reading a Strands clue
Strands clues are puns more often than definitions. Say the clue out loud and ask what else it could mean; “It’s skin deep” turned out to be about skincare products, not superficial people. Once you have one theme word, the others usually share its category exactly.
The spangram direction hint is the strongest structural nudge on this page: a top-to-bottom spangram has to snake through all eight rows, which rules out most of the board. More in how to play Strands.
Questions
What is the spangram in Strands?
The spangram is a word or phrase that describes the theme and touches two opposite sides of the board, either left and right or top and bottom. It is highlighted yellow when found; theme words turn blue.
How do Strands hints work in the game?
Every three valid non-theme words you find earn one hint. A hint circles the letters of a theme word, and using a second hint on the same word shows its order.
Does every letter get used?
Yes. Theme words and the spangram together use every letter on the 6×8 board exactly once, with no overlaps.
What is the hint for today’s Strands puzzle?
Start with the theme clue at the top of this page, then reveal hints in order: the number of theme words, the spangram’s direction and length, each theme word’s first letter, and finally the words themselves. Each one lights up on the board.
What is the “golden word” in Strands?
Players often call the spangram the golden word because it turns yellow (gold) when found. It names the theme and stretches across the board from one side to the opposite side.
Can I see yesterday’s Strands answers?
Yes. Use the Earlier links under the date to open any recent day; each has its own page with the same tap-to-reveal hints and answers.
When does a new Strands puzzle release?
At midnight in your local time zone. This page follows your device’s date.