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Connections Hints for September 9, 2023 #89

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 9, 2023 #89

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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 — September 9, 2023

Green Category — September 9, 2023

Blue Category — September 9, 2023

Purple Category — September 9, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — HEAT SOURCES

Why is “KILN” in the Green group?

a type of oven or furnace, especially for burning or firing materials like ceramics or bricks

Blue group — FISH THAT ARE VERBS

Why is “FLOUNDER” in the Blue group?

a type of fish, but also a verb meaning to struggle or move clumsily, often used to describe someone who is having trouble

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 9, 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.

CARP
Definition: a type of fish, but also to complain or find fault
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, can be a noun or a verb
FLOUNDER
Definition: a type of fish, but also to struggle or move clumsily
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, can be a noun or a verb
SMELT
Definition: a type of fish, but also to melt or fuse metal
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, can be a noun or a verb
KILN
Definition: a type of oven or furnace, especially for burning or firing materials
Why it's tricky: less common word, can be confused with other heat sources

Connections #89 explained

Why these words connect (September 9, 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: BASEBALL CALLS

These are all calls made by an umpire in a baseball game, including BALL, OUT, SAFE, and STRIKE, which are all crucial to the game's outcome. Each call has a specific meaning and impact on the game.

Green group: HEAT SOURCES

These are all sources of heat, including FORGE, FURNACE, KILN, and OVEN, which are all used for various purposes such as melting metal or cooking food. Each heat source has its own unique characteristics and uses.

Blue group: FISH THAT ARE VERBS

These are all fish that can also be verbs, including CARP, CATFISH, FLOUNDER, and SMELT, which are all types of fish that can also be used as verbs to describe certain actions. Each fish has its own unique characteristics and uses as a verb.

Purple group: SILENT “L”

These are all words that have a silent 'L', including COLONEL, SALMON, WALK, and YOLK, which are all words that are pronounced without the 'L' sound. Each word has its own unique characteristics and uses.

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.

WALK

Seems like it belongs to: BASEBALL CALLS

Actually belongs to: SILENT “L”

WALK seems like a baseball call, but it's actually in the SILENT 'L' group because of its pronunciation

FURNACE

Seems like it belongs to: BASEBALL CALLS

Actually belongs to: HEAT SOURCES

FURNACE seems like a baseball call, but it's actually a type of heat source

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “WALK” didn't go with BASEBALL CALLS

Seems like: BASEBALL CALLS → Actually: SILENT “L”

WALK seems like a baseball call, but it's actually in the SILENT 'L' group because of its pronunciation

Why “FURNACE” didn't go with BASEBALL CALLS

Seems like: BASEBALL CALLS → Actually: HEAT SOURCES

FURNACE seems like a baseball call, but it's actually a type of heat source

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