Work through the levels. Reveal the Spangram only when you’re truly ready.
Today’s clue: “Here comes trouble”
A gentle direction — no specifics.
Closer — the category is coming into focus.
Near-direct — only read if you’re stuck.
Direction only.
Getting closer.
Near-direct.
4 theme words — lengths in random order
Spaces not counted in total
All theme words — shuffled
These words fit the theme on the surface, but aren’t part of today’s solution. Knowing them ahead of time can save you minutes of searching.
A classic term for a troublemaker, but today's words are more specifically about youthful mischief.
This common word for an ill-behaved child seems like a perfect fit, but it's not among the answers.
This Dickensian term for a street child often implies mischief, but the puzzle goes for different synonyms.
A small, mischievous creature or child; it's very close to the theme but not part of the set.
a textbook decoy
The puzzle's difficulty of 5.5 stems from a clue that clearly points to troublemakers, but requires recognizing specific, somewhat dated vocabulary. Spotting SCAMP or HELLION early provides a foothold, as their letter patterns help locate the longer WHIPPERSNAPPER and RAPSCALLION. The spangram LITTLEDEVIL is a familiar phrase and likely appears as a straight-spanning word, making it a satisfying centerpiece once the theme clicks. A subtle challenge is that shorter, common words like BRAT or ROGUE can distract before you commit to the actual set of longer synonyms.
The clue 'Here comes trouble' is a well-known phrase uttered with a knowing smile when a rambunctious person—often a child—bursts onto the scene. It directly signals a collection of labels for exactly that kind of mischief-maker. The spangram LITTLEDEVIL fits perfectly, as a 'little devil' is the most literal personification of trouble walking in.
The editor chose a narrow set of nouns for a troublemaker, each carrying an antiquated, affectionate tone. Unlike a broad category of negative traits, this collection—HELLION, RAPSCALLION, SCAMP, WHIPPERSNAPPER—feels lifted from a classic novel. The spangram LITTLEDEVIL unites them by personifying the concept as a miniature, fiendish figure, making the whole puzzle feel like a cast of loveable rogues. The inclusion of WHIPPERSNAPPER reinforces the youthful impudence that ties them together.
