NYT Strands June 27 hints and answers: Sandbox Toys theme solved

The New York Times’ daily puzzle game Strands is back with a light-hearted yet tricky theme. Each letter in the grid belongs to a word that fits under one idea, and today’s challenge is no different. The June 27 edition had players thinking of backyard fun and childhood playtime.

The official theme clue given was “Playing dirty,” which might’ve thrown off some at first but once you catch the reference to outdoor fun, everything clicks.

Today’s theme hint: What does “Playing dirty” mean?

While it sounds vague, “Playing dirty” here is not about cheating, it actually refers to playing in the dirt or sand. The theme is all about sandbox toys, the classic things kids love to dig, build, and play with on a sunny day outside.

If you were thinking about mud, sports or bad behaviour, don’t worry, this kind of misdirection is common in Strands puzzles.

NYT Strands June 27 Spangram

The Spangram is the main word or phrase that captures the day’s theme, stretching all the way across the grid.

• Hint: The Spangram runs horizontally
• Answer: Sandbox Toys

It brings the whole puzzle together and often helps you guess other related words. Once you spot it, the rest gets easier.

NYT Strands June 27 answers?

Once you catch the theme, the rest of the answers fall into place. Here’s what you needed to find in the grid today:

• Shovel – A must-have for digging in the sand
• Funnel – Helps pour water or sand while making sandcastles
• Bucket – Classic for building towers or collecting things
• Sifter – Filters out fine sand from stones or debris
• Rake – Levels the sand and smooths it out
• Mold – Used to shape castles, animals, or shapes
• Truck – Toy dump trucks are often part of sandbox play

Each of these fits perfectly into the sandbox toy collection, making it a neat and nostalgic puzzle.