Jump to a hint level
Show the word gridAll 16 words — you figure out the groups
Show the themesCategory names only, no words revealed
One word per groupTheme name + one word per category
Full solutionAll words and explanations
← Back to hint toolLoad any date with the interactive hint ladder
Word grid
All 16 words, sorted alphabetically. Group them into four categories of four.
APPLAUSE
ESSENTIAL
EXIT
GIVE
HAND
KEY
PASS
PEN
PRINCIPAL
RECORDING
RULER
SCISSORS
SEND
STAPLE
TAPE
WALK
Themes
The four category names, easiest to hardest. No words revealed yet.
SCHOOL SUPPLIESStraightforward
FUNDAMENTALModerate
TRANSFERTricky
LIGHT-UP SIGNSDevious
One word per group
Theme name plus one word from each category.
SCHOOL SUPPLIESStraightforward
THINGS YOU MIGHT FIND IN A PENCIL CASE OR DESK DRAWER+ 3 more…
FUNDAMENTALModerate
WORDS MEANING BASIC OR CORE TO SOMETHING+ 3 more…
TRANSFERTricky
WAYS TO MOVE SOMETHING FROM ONE PERSON TO ANOTHER+ 3 more…
LIGHT-UP SIGNSDevious
SIGNS THAT ILLUMINATE TO CUE PEOPLE IN A STUDIO OR PUBLIC SPACE+ 3 more…
Full solution
SCHOOL SUPPLIESStraightforward
PEN,RULER,SCISSORS,TAPE
PEN, RULER, SCISSORS, and TAPE are all common school supplies used in classrooms and offices
FUNDAMENTALModerate
ESSENTIAL,KEY,PRINCIPAL,STAPLE
ESSENTIAL, KEY, PRINCIPAL, and STAPLE all mean fundamental or of primary importance
TRANSFERTricky
GIVE,HAND,PASS,SEND
GIVE, HAND, PASS, and SEND all mean to transfer or convey something to someone else
LIGHT-UP SIGNSDevious
APPLAUSE,EXIT,RECORDING,WALK
APPLAUSE, EXIT, RECORDING, and WALK are all words seen on illuminated signs that signal behavior in studios, theaters, or crosswalks