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Connections Hints for July 21, 2023 #39

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 21, 2023 #39

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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 21, 2023

Green Category — July 21, 2023

Blue Category — July 21, 2023

Purple Category — July 21, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — SEALS

Why is “HARBOR” in the Purple group?

a type of seal, also known as a harbor seal, found in coastal waters

Purple group — SEALS

Why is “HOODED” in the Purple group?

a type of seal, also known as a hooded seal, found in the North Atlantic

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (July 21, 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.

HARP
Definition: a type of seal, not the musical instrument
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, can be a musical instrument or a type of seal
MONK
Definition: a type of seal, not the religious figure
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, can be a religious figure or a type of seal
TOP
Definition: a covering, not the highest point
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, can be a covering or the highest point
COVER
Definition: a type of covering, not the act of covering
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, can be a noun or a verb

Connections #39 explained

Why these words connect (July 21, 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: WOODWINDS

These are all types of woodwind instruments, commonly used in orchestras and bands, including the bassoon, clarinet, flute, and oboe, which are all played by blowing air through a reed or the mouthpiece.

Green group: COVERINGS

These are all types of coverings, including a cap, cover, lid, and top, which are all used to protect or conceal something.

Blue group: SUNGLASSES

These are all types of sunglasses, including aviator, cat eye, wayfarer, and wraparound, which are all designed to protect the eyes from the sun while making a fashion statement.

Purple group: SEALS

These are all types of seals, including harbor, harp, hooded, and monk, which are all found in different parts of the world and are known for their distinctive characteristics.

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.

CAP

Seems like it belongs to: SUNGLASSES

Actually belongs to: COVERINGS

while a cap can be worn on the head, it's not a type of sunglasses, but rather a type of covering

TOP

Seems like it belongs to: SUNGLASSES

Actually belongs to: COVERINGS

while a top can refer to the highest point, in this context it refers to a type of covering

LID

Seems like it belongs to: SUNGLASSES

Actually belongs to: COVERINGS

while a lid can be a type of covering, it's not typically associated with sunglasses

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CAP” didn't go with SUNGLASSES

Seems like: SUNGLASSES → Actually: COVERINGS

while a cap can be worn on the head, it's not a type of sunglasses, but rather a type of covering

Why “TOP” didn't go with SUNGLASSES

Seems like: SUNGLASSES → Actually: COVERINGS

while a top can refer to the highest point, in this context it refers to a type of covering

Why “LID” didn't go with SUNGLASSES

Seems like: SUNGLASSES → Actually: COVERINGS

while a lid can be a type of covering, it's not typically associated with sunglasses

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