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Connections Hints for December 12, 2023 #183

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 12, 2023 #183

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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 — December 12, 2023

Green Category — December 12, 2023

Blue Category — December 12, 2023

Purple Category — December 12, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — MURKY CONDITION

Why is “HAZE” in the Yellow group?

a state of atmospheric obscurity caused by smoke, dust, or moisture

Blue group — PINBALL MACHINE COMPONENTS

Why is “PLUNGER” in the Blue group?

a device used to launch the ball in a pinball machine

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 12, 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.

CLOUD
Definition: a visible mass of water vapor in the sky
Why it's tricky: can also refer to cloud computing or a vague idea
SHADOW
Definition: a dark shape on the ground or wall made by something blocking the light
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a person secretly following someone
TRACK
Definition: a path or course made or used for walking, running, or driving
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a recording or a sports competition
FIN
Definition: a part of a fish's body used for swimming
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a financial term or a prefix meaning 'end'

Connections #183 explained

Why these words connect (December 12, 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: MURKY CONDITION

These are all types of weather or atmospheric conditions that reduce visibility, often caused by smoke, dust, or moisture in the air. They are all related to the idea of something being unclear or hard to see.

Green group: FOLLOW

These are all words that mean to go after or pursue something, often in a physical sense. They are all related to the idea of movement or action towards a goal.

Blue group: PINBALL MACHINE COMPONENTS

These are all components of a pinball machine, which is a type of arcade game. They are all related to the physical parts of the machine that make the game work.

Purple group: ___LAND

These are all prefixes that can be added to the word 'land' to create a new word, often referring to a type of territory or region. They are all related to the idea of a place or area with a specific characteristic.

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.

CLOUD

Seems like it belongs to: FOLLOW

Actually belongs to: MURKY CONDITION

CLOUD seems like it could be something that follows, but it's actually a type of murky condition in the atmosphere.

TRACK

Seems like it belongs to: PINBALL MACHINE COMPONENTS

Actually belongs to: FOLLOW

TRACK seems like it could be a part of a pinball machine, but it's actually a way to follow something.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CLOUD” didn't go with FOLLOW

Seems like: FOLLOW → Actually: MURKY CONDITION

CLOUD seems like it could be something that follows, but it's actually a type of murky condition in the atmosphere.

Why “TRACK” didn't go with PINBALL MACHINE COMPONENTS

Seems like: PINBALL MACHINE COMPONENTS → Actually: FOLLOW

TRACK seems like it could be a part of a pinball machine, but it's actually a way to follow something.

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