If you’ve arrived at this page, it’s likely that you’re seeking some assistance with Strands, the New York Times’ innovative take on the classic word search puzzle.

Strands invites participants to discover words concealed within a grid, but with an intriguing twist: letters can link together in various directions — upward, downward, sideways, or diagonally — and words may even shift direction partway through. Every letter in the puzzle contributes to a solution, with all the words connected by a shared theme. Additionally, there is a unique word or phrase known as the “spangram” that represents the day’s theme and spans across the grid either horizontally or vertically.

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In contrast to Wordle or Connections, Strands does not provide a list of words for you to locate. Rather, it presents a cryptic clue and relies on your deductive reasoning, which makes solving it a bit more time-consuming — and satisfying.

If you’re pressed for time or just require a slight push in the right direction, we have all the hints and solutions you need for today’s NYT Strands puzzle.

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SEE ALSO: NYT Connections: Hints and answers for April 4

Today’s NYT Strands Theme Hint: Step on it!

Clue: These are items you tread upon — usually found inside.

Spangram Direction: Horizontal

Spangram Answer: Flooring

Strands Word List for April 4:

– Hardwood
– Linoleum
– Terrazzo
– Laminate
– Concrete
– Flooring

Craving more daily puzzle excitement? Visit Mashable’s Games page for additional hints and solutions. And if you’re in the mood for more brain-stretching challenges, navigate to our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, crosswords, and beyond.

Missed a day? Revisit the solution to yesterday’s Strands puzzle here.