Daily Strands Answers for October 5, 2025

Today’s NYT Strands Answers

The words provided in today's New York Times Strands puzzle are all associated with the theme "Don't take the bait." Each of these words can be connected to tactics or strategies meant to deceive or manipulate someone into a particular course of action. Here's a detailed look at how these words align with the puzzle's theme:

• LURE: The word 'lure' is often used to describe something that tempts or attracts, usually with the intention of leading someone into a particular action or trap. It's similar to bait used in fishing – something that looks appealing to the fish but is really a trap. In the context of the theme, 'lure' refers to an enticement meant to trick someone.
• PLOY: A 'ploy' is a calculated move or action that is designed to gain an advantage, often by outsmarting someone else. It is a tactic that may involve some level of deceit, and so it's a fitting word for the theme "Don't take the bait," as it suggests a trick to ensnare or outmaneuver someone.
• TRICK: The word 'trick' is a general term for any method of deception or cunning. It is a broad term that encompasses various deceitful tactics. When someone falls for a trick, they've essentially 'taken the bait,' falling victim to deceit.
• RUSE: A 'ruse' is a cunning plan or action designed to mislead others. It's a crafty scheme that might be employed to trick someone into doing or believing something. The connection to the theme here is that a ruse is often a disguised form of bait, leading someone into a trap without them realizing it.
• DECEPTION: 'Deception' is the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid. It's a more formal term that encompasses all manner of lies, tricks, and dishonesty. It's the end goal of bait – to deceive someone and lead them astray.
• STRATAGEM: A 'stratagem' is a plan, scheme, or trick for surprising or deceiving an adversary. It denotes a more elaborate or cunning plan than some of the other words on the list. The term suggests a level of strategic planning in the act of deception, directly tying into the theme as it implies the presence of bait in a larger scheme.

The pangram for today's puzzle is 'ITSATRAP,' which effectively summarizes the essence of the theme. A pangram is a sentence or phrase that includes every letter of the alphabet at least once, and this particular phrase warns you to be wary of falling into a hidden danger or deceit. The common thread connecting this phrase with all the words is the concept of setting a trap through various deceptive means to ensnare someone.

In conclusion, each of these words highlights the importance of being cautious and not falling for tactics that are designed to deceive. They remind us to stay alert and not take the bait, regardless of how alluring or convincing the strategy might appear.