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Connections Hints for August 17, 2023 #66

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for August 17, 2023 #66

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Yellow Category — August 17, 2023

Green Category — August 17, 2023

Blue Category — August 17, 2023

Purple Category — August 17, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — DESSERTS

Why is “COBBLER” in the Yellow group?

a fruit dessert topped with a crust

Green group — OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

Why is “MILLER” in the Green group?

a person who operates a mill, especially a grain mill

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (August 17, 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.

DOCTOR
Definition: to alter or falsify
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a medical professional
ROOT
Definition: a mathematical operation
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a plant part
TWIST
Definition: to alter or distort
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a physical motion
FUDGE
Definition: to alter or distort the truth
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of candy

Connections #66 explained

Why these words connect (August 17, 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: DESSERTS

These are all types of sweet desserts, including cakes, pies, and tarts. They are all typically served as a final course in a meal.

Green group: OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

These are all surnames that originated from occupations, such as a fisher or a mason. They are often used to identify a person's profession or trade.

Blue group: ALTER DECEPTIVELY

These are all words that mean to alter or distort something, often in a deceptive or misleading way. They can be used to manipulate or falsify information.

Purple group: SQUARE ___

These are all words that can complete the phrase 'square ___', such as a square dance or a square meal. They are often used in idiomatic expressions.

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.

SMITH

Seems like it belongs to: ALTER DECEPTIVELY

Actually belongs to: OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

while a smith can alter metal, the word is more closely related to occupational surnames

DOCTOR

Seems like it belongs to: OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

Actually belongs to: ALTER DECEPTIVELY

while a doctor is an occupation, the word is used here to mean altering or falsifying

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “SMITH” didn't go with ALTER DECEPTIVELY

Seems like: ALTER DECEPTIVELY → Actually: OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

while a smith can alter metal, the word is more closely related to occupational surnames

Why “DOCTOR” didn't go with OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES

Seems like: OCCUPATIONAL SURNAMES → Actually: ALTER DECEPTIVELY

while a doctor is an occupation, the word is used here to mean altering or falsifying

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