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Connections Hints for December 9, 2023 #180

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 9, 2023 #180

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Yellow Category — December 9, 2023

Green Category — December 9, 2023

Blue Category — December 9, 2023

Purple Category — December 9, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — HARDWARE FASTENERS

Why is “RIVET” in the Green group?

a small metal fastener used to join two pieces of material together

Blue group — STICKY ___

Why is “WICKET” in the Blue group?

a small gate or door, especially one in a fence or wall

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 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.

BOLT
Definition: a type of hardware fastener
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sudden movement or a unit of fabric
SCREW
Definition: a type of hardware fastener
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of fastener used in construction or a verb meaning to twist or turn
FLOAT
Definition: a type of ice cream treat
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device used to support something in water or a verb meaning to rest on the surface of a liquid
STICKY
Definition: adjective describing something that is adhesive or tacky
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a difficult or problematic situation

Connections #180 explained

Why these words connect (December 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: ICE CREAM TREATS

These are all types of frozen desserts, often served as a sweet treat. They are all popular ice cream treats that can be found in most ice cream shops.

Green group: HARDWARE FASTENERS

These are all types of hardware fasteners used to join two or more objects together. They are commonly used in construction, woodworking, and other DIY projects.

Blue group: KINDS OF COOKING OIL

These are all types of cooking oils used in various cuisines around the world. They are often used for frying, baking, and sautéing.

Purple group: STICKY ___

These are all words that can be paired with 'sticky' to create a common phrase or term. They are often used to describe something that is adhesive or difficult to remove.

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.

CORN

Seems like it belongs to: STICKY ___

Actually belongs to: KINDS OF COOKING OIL

while corn can be sticky, the word 'corn' in this puzzle refers to a type of cooking oil

NAIL

Seems like it belongs to: STICKY ___

Actually belongs to: HARDWARE FASTENERS

while nail polish can be sticky, the word 'nail' in this puzzle refers to a type of hardware fastener

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CORN” didn't go with STICKY ___

Seems like: STICKY ___ → Actually: KINDS OF COOKING OIL

while corn can be sticky, the word 'corn' in this puzzle refers to a type of cooking oil

Why “NAIL” didn't go with STICKY ___

Seems like: STICKY ___ → Actually: HARDWARE FASTENERS

while nail polish can be sticky, the word 'nail' in this puzzle refers to a type of hardware fastener

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