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Connections Hints for November 17, 2023 #158

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for November 17, 2023 #158

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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 — November 17, 2023

Green Category — November 17, 2023

Blue Category — November 17, 2023

Purple Category — November 17, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — ELIZABETHS (AND ONE ELISABETH)

Why is “MOSS” in the Purple group?

Elisabeth Moss, American actress known for her roles in The Handmaid's Tale and Mad Men

Blue group — M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

Why is “NATS” in the Blue group?

Washington Nationals, a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C.

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (November 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.

BANKS
Definition: Elizabeth Banks, American actress
Why it's tricky: Could be confused with financial institutions
CARDS
Definition: St. Louis Cardinals, M.L.B. team
Why it's tricky: Could be confused with playing cards
REGARDS
Definition: A polite way to end an email
Why it's tricky: Could be confused with a feeling of respect
TAYLOR
Definition: Elizabeth Taylor, British-American actress
Why it's tricky: Could be confused with other notable individuals with the same last name

Connections #158 explained

Why these words connect (November 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: BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

These are all exercises that can be done without any equipment, using the individual's body weight as resistance. They are commonly used in fitness routines and workouts.

Green group: EMAIL SIGN-OFFS

These are all common ways to end an email, used to convey a sense of politeness and professionalism. They are often used in formal and informal email correspondence.

Blue group: M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

These are all nicknames for professional baseball teams in the Major League Baseball (M.L.B.) league. They are commonly used by fans and in sports media.

Purple group: ELIZABETHS (AND ONE ELISABETH)

These are all notable women who share the same first name, Elizabeth (or Elisabeth). They come from various fields, including acting, politics, and entertainment.

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.

BANKS

Seems like it belongs to: M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

Actually belongs to: ELIZABETHS (AND ONE ELISABETH)

Banks could be confused with a sports team, but it's actually a reference to Elizabeth Banks, an American actress

CARDS

Seems like it belongs to: BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

Actually belongs to: M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

Cards could be confused with a type of exercise, but it's actually a reference to the St. Louis Cardinals, a professional baseball team

REGARDS

Seems like it belongs to: BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

Actually belongs to: EMAIL SIGN-OFFS

Regards could be confused with a type of exercise, but it's actually a polite way to end an email

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BANKS” didn't go with M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

Seems like: M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT → Actually: ELIZABETHS (AND ONE ELISABETH)

Banks could be confused with a sports team, but it's actually a reference to Elizabeth Banks, an American actress

Why “CARDS” didn't go with BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

Seems like: BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES → Actually: M.L.B. TEAMS, FOR SHORT

Cards could be confused with a type of exercise, but it's actually a reference to the St. Louis Cardinals, a professional baseball team

Why “REGARDS” didn't go with BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES

Seems like: BODYWEIGHT EXERCISES → Actually: EMAIL SIGN-OFFS

Regards could be confused with a type of exercise, but it's actually a polite way to end an email

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