language - Word connections

I am trying a new kind of puzzle so feel free to leave constructive comments and opinions! Thank you!

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The objective of this puzzle is to connect 2 words by using a chain of words that connects each other.

For example,

• 
  
  

  a 2 word chain solution for the following :

  
  

  
  

  Connect the words air and chart

  
  

  
  

  Could be :

  
  

  
  

  airflow > flowchart

  
  

  
  

Rules

• No spaces are allowed.


• Every words in the chain must also be connected by an intermediary word.(ex. flow in the above example)

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Here is the real one, good luck!

Connect the words play and out

Can you find

• a 2 word chain?


• a 4 word chain?

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NOTE

I am aware that using some internet tools could make this puzzle drastically easier so if possible, please refrain from doing so.

Answer

2-word chain:

playtime $\rightarrow$ timeout

3-word chain:

playable $\rightarrow$ ablest $\rightarrow$ stout

4-word chain:

playtime $\rightarrow$ timeout $\rightarrow$ outlay $\rightarrow$ layout

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  with spaces:

  
  
  
  
  • 
    

    
    

    playtime $\rightarrow$ timetable $\rightarrow$ tabletop $\rightarrow$ top out (not sure if this last one is valid)

    
    

    
    
  
  
  
  • 
    

    
    

    playboy $\rightarrow$ boyfriend $\rightarrow$ friendzone $\rightarrow$ zone out

    
    

    
    
  
  
  
  

5-word chain:

playoff $\rightarrow$ offbeat $\rightarrow$ beatable $\rightarrow$ ablest $\rightarrow$ stout