‘Carle classic’ Strands NYT hints and answers for today (Aug. 17)

Today’s Strands puzzle features an extremely cryptic clue that isn’t necessarily all that much help either if you understand what it is referring to.

“Carle classic” is a niche reference at best for non-American players of the word game, and it’s been a slightly frustrating solving experience for me—here’s to making sure it won’t be the same for you.