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Connections Hints for July 18, 2023 #36

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for July 18, 2023 #36

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Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — July 18, 2023

Green Category — July 18, 2023

Blue Category — July 18, 2023

Purple Category — July 18, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — MARINE MAMMALS

Why is “MANATEE” in the Blue group?

a large, slow-moving aquatic mammal

Purple group — COUNTRIES WHEN “A” IS ADDED

Why is “TONGA” in the Purple group?

a country in the Pacific Ocean

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (July 18, 2023)

Several words in today's puzzle have multiple meanings or obscure definitions that can throw you off. Here's what each one means in the context of this Connections grid.

HAWK
Definition: to sell or promote something aggressively
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of bird
MOVE
Definition: to sell or dispose of something
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including to change location
OTTER
Definition: a type of marine mammal
Why it's tricky: not as well-known as other marine mammals like dolphins or seals
TONG
Definition: a prefix that becomes a country name when 'a' is added (Tonga)
Why it's tricky: not a commonly known country prefix

Connections #36 explained

Why these words connect (July 18, 2023)

Understanding the logic behind each group helps you spot similar patterns in future puzzles. Here's the reasoning for every category in today's Connections.

Yellow group: MARINE MAMMALS

These are all types of mammals that live in the ocean, including dolphins, manatees, and seals. They are all characterized by their ability to thrive in aquatic environments.

Green group: BIKE PARTS

These are all components of a bicycle, including the brake, chain, saddle, and spoke. They all work together to enable the bike to function properly.

Blue group: SYNONYMS FOR SELL

These are all words that mean to sell or promote something, including to hawk, move, peddle, or vend. They all involve the act of transferring ownership of a product or service.

Purple group: COUNTRIES WHEN “A” IS ADDED

These are all prefixes that become country names when 'a' is added, including China, Cuba, Malta, and Tonga. They all involve the addition of a single letter to form a new word.

Red herrings and trap words explained

These words were designed to mislead you. Understanding why they don't belong where you first think sharpens your game for tomorrow.

CHAIN

Seems like it belongs to: BIKE PARTS

Actually belongs to: SYNONYMS FOR SELL

while 'chain' is a bike part, it can also mean to sell or promote something in a series

MOVE

Seems like it belongs to: BIKE PARTS

Actually belongs to: SYNONYMS FOR SELL

while 'move' can refer to physical movement, it can also mean to sell or dispose of something

SEAL

Seems like it belongs to: COUNTRIES WHEN “A” IS ADDED

Actually belongs to: MARINE MAMMALS

while 'seal' can be a prefix for a country (e.g. 'sealand'), it is more commonly known as a type of marine mammal

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “CHAIN” didn't go with BIKE PARTS

Seems like: BIKE PARTS → Actually: SYNONYMS FOR SELL

while 'chain' is a bike part, it can also mean to sell or promote something in a series

Why “MOVE” didn't go with BIKE PARTS

Seems like: BIKE PARTS → Actually: SYNONYMS FOR SELL

while 'move' can refer to physical movement, it can also mean to sell or dispose of something

Why “SEAL” didn't go with COUNTRIES WHEN “A” IS ADDED

Seems like: COUNTRIES WHEN “A” IS ADDED → Actually: MARINE MAMMALS

while 'seal' can be a prefix for a country (e.g. 'sealand'), it is more commonly known as a type of marine mammal

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