All 16 words, sorted alphabetically. Group them into four categories of four.
The four category names, easiest to hardest. No words revealed yet.
Theme name plus one word from each category.
CHANGE TACK, COURSE-CORRECT, RECALIBRATE, and SHIFT GEARS all mean to alter one's approach or strategy when the current one isn't working.
CAPS FOR SALE, CORDUROY, GOODNIGHT MOON, and MADELINE are all iconic classic children's books that have delighted young readers for generations.
BUDDY COP, NEO-NOIR, SPACE OPERA, and SPAGHETTI WESTERN are all established subgenre labels used to categorize movies by their distinctive style and setting.
BAD DREAM, ESCAPE ROOM, JURY DUTY, and LABYRINTH are all things people commonly try to get out of — whether literally, legally, or in their sleep.