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Connections Hints for December 2, 2023 #173

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 2, 2023 #173

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Yellow Category — December 2, 2023

Green Category — December 2, 2023

Blue Category — December 2, 2023

Purple Category — December 2, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — CONTAINERS

Why is “HAMPER” in the Yellow group?

a container made of wicker or other materials, used for carrying or storing things

Blue group — ___ JAM

Why is “PEARL” in the Blue group?

a type of jam or preserve made from pearl onions or other ingredients

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 2, 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.

BAND
Definition: a circular shape, like a ring or a hoop
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical group
CHECK
Definition: to restrict or limit something
Why it's tricky: can also mean to verify or inspect
RING
Definition: a circular shape, like a hoop or a band
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a telephone call or a sound
CAP
Definition: to restrict or limit something
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a head covering or a maximum amount

Connections #173 explained

Why these words connect (December 2, 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: CONTAINERS

these words all refer to types of containers or vessels, used for carrying or storing things

Green group: CIRCULAR SHAPES

these words all refer to types of circular shapes, like rings or hoops

Blue group: RESTRICT

these words all refer to ways of restricting or limiting something, like a cap or a check

Purple group: ___ JAM

these words all refer to types of jam or preserves, like NBA jam or pearl jam

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.

BAND

Seems like it belongs to: CIRCULAR SHAPES

Actually belongs to: RESTRICT

while 'band' can refer to a circular shape, in this context it's more likely to mean a group or a restriction

CHECK

Seems like it belongs to: CIRCULAR SHAPES

Actually belongs to: RESTRICT

while 'check' can mean to verify or inspect, in this context it's more likely to mean to restrict or limit something

CAP

Seems like it belongs to: CONTAINERS

Actually belongs to: RESTRICT

while 'cap' can refer to a container or a head covering, in this context it's more likely to mean to restrict or limit something

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BAND” didn't go with CIRCULAR SHAPES

Seems like: CIRCULAR SHAPES → Actually: RESTRICT

while 'band' can refer to a circular shape, in this context it's more likely to mean a group or a restriction

Why “CHECK” didn't go with CIRCULAR SHAPES

Seems like: CIRCULAR SHAPES → Actually: RESTRICT

while 'check' can mean to verify or inspect, in this context it's more likely to mean to restrict or limit something

Why “CAP” didn't go with CONTAINERS

Seems like: CONTAINERS → Actually: RESTRICT

while 'cap' can refer to a container or a head covering, in this context it's more likely to mean to restrict or limit something

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