Are you feeling baffled by today’s NYT Strands puzzle?

Fear not! The theme for game #266, titled “Start small,” may seem a bit elusive at first, but we’ve got the clues and answers to guide you through.

The official theme hinges on the concept of words that follow the keyword given by the spangram, which can be discovered with a few key hints. If you're stumped, keep reading – we've gathered some handy hints as well as the complete answers to help you conquer this brain teaser.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for Strands #266!

Today's Theme and Insights: “Start small”

The focal point of this puzzle revolves around words that can follow the spangram clue — and here's a little insider tip: look for words that connect meaningfully to what starts with an ‘L’ and ends with an ‘E.’

Here's a list of words you might find helpful in piecing the puzzle together:

- LIVED

- CORK

- POPE

- RIDES

- SCARS

- TOOL

- SONS

- ROSE

Still having a hard time? The spangram gives it all away: the word you're looking for today is **LITTLE**.

Answers for Strands #266