Strands · Hints and answers
Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Tuesday's Strands board has six theme words plus a 9-letter spangram, under the NYT clue "Fool me once ...". The ladder below climbs from the theme to the spangram - take one hint at a time.
Hints, in order
Hint 0 of 3Tap to show one hint at a time.
Hint 1 of 3
The NYT clue is "Fool me once ..." - take it literally before you take it sideways. The spangram runs 9 letters and touches opposite sides of the board.
Hint 2 of 3
The six theme words run 4 to 9 letters (lengths: 4, 4, 7, 7, 8, 9). Every one of them belongs to the family the clue points at.
Hint 3 of 3
The spangram starts with C and ends with N. It is CHARLATAN - find it and the rest of the board falls into place.
Spangram and theme words
The spangram first, then all six theme words.
SPANGRAM
CHARLATAN
BAMBOOZLETheme word
BILKTheme word
DECEIVETheme word
DUPETheme word
HOODWINKTheme word
MISLEADTheme word
Next on the board
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