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Connections Hints for November 28, 2023 #169

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 28, 2023 #169

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Yellow Category — November 28, 2023

Green Category — November 28, 2023

Blue Category — November 28, 2023

Purple Category — November 28, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — LAND SURROUNDED BY WATER

Why is “ATOLL” in the Blue group?

a ring-shaped coral reef or island

Purple group — BEAN ___

Why is “SPROUT” in the Purple group?

a small shoot or sprig, especially one that grows from a seed

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (November 28, 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.

BAR
Definition: a long, narrow ridge of sand or rock near a coast
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a place that serves drinks
KEY
Definition: a small island, especially one in the Florida Keys
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device used to unlock something
STUDY
Definition: a room in a house for reading or working
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the act of learning or examining something
PACK
Definition: to fill something tightly with things
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a group of animals or a bundle of items

Connections #169 explained

Why these words connect (November 28, 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: ROOMS IN A HOUSE

These are all common rooms found in a typical house, including areas for sleeping, relaxation, and food preparation.

Green group: LAND SURROUNDED BY WATER

These are all types of landforms that are surrounded by water, including islands, reefs, and other coastal features.

Blue group: FILL TO EXCESS

These are all verbs that mean to fill something to excess, including cramming, jamming, and packing.

Purple group: BEAN ___

These are all words that can be paired with 'bean' to form a common phrase or term, including types of beans and related concepts.

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.

BAR

Seems like it belongs to: ROOMS IN A HOUSE

Actually belongs to: LAND SURROUNDED BY WATER

a bar can be a room in a house, but in this context, it refers to a long, narrow ridge of sand or rock near a coast

STUDY

Seems like it belongs to: FILL TO EXCESS

Actually belongs to: ROOMS IN A HOUSE

to study can mean to learn or examine something, but in this context, it refers to a room in a house for reading or working

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BAR” didn't go with ROOMS IN A HOUSE

Seems like: ROOMS IN A HOUSE → Actually: LAND SURROUNDED BY WATER

a bar can be a room in a house, but in this context, it refers to a long, narrow ridge of sand or rock near a coast

Why “STUDY” didn't go with FILL TO EXCESS

Seems like: FILL TO EXCESS → Actually: ROOMS IN A HOUSE

to study can mean to learn or examine something, but in this context, it refers to a room in a house for reading or working

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