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Connections Hints for December 13, 2023 #184

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 13, 2023 #184

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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 13, 2023

Green Category — December 13, 2023

Blue Category — December 13, 2023

Purple Category — December 13, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — ”-OUGH” WORDS THAT DON’T RHYME

Why is “BOUGH” in the Green group?

a main branch of a tree, especially one that is large or prominent

Purple group — INDECENT

Why is “RISQUÉ” in the Purple group?

having a slightly indecent or off-color quality, often in a humorous or playful way

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 13, 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.

ROUGH
Definition: unsmooth or uneven terrain, especially on a golf course
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a difficult or violent situation
BLUE
Definition: having a profane or indecent quality
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a color or a feeling of sadness
MERCY
Definition: leniency or forgiveness, especially in a desperate situation
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a feeling of pity or compassion
STOP
Definition: to cease or desist, especially in a desperate situation
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical barrier or obstruction

Connections #184 explained

Why these words connect (December 13, 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: GOLF COURSE PARTS

These are all areas of a golf course where a player might hit their ball, including the fairway, rough, and green. Each area has its own unique challenges and requirements.

Green group: “I GIVE!”

These are all phrases that someone might say when they are surrendering or giving up, including 'I give!' or 'Uncle!'. Each phrase has its own unique connotation and usage.

Blue group: INDECENT

These are all words that have a slightly indecent or off-color quality, including 'bawdy' and 'risqué'. Each word has its own unique connotation and usage.

Purple group: ”-OUGH” WORDS THAT DON’T RHYME

These are all words that end with the '-ough' suffix but do not rhyme with each other, including 'boUGH' and 'cough'. Each word has its own unique pronunciation and meaning.

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.

BLUE

Seems like it belongs to: GOLF COURSE PARTS

Actually belongs to: INDECENT

while 'blue' can refer to a color, in this context it refers to profane or indecent language

ROUGH

Seems like it belongs to: INDECENT

Actually belongs to: GOLF COURSE PARTS

while 'rough' can refer to a difficult situation, in this context it refers to unsmooth terrain on a golf course

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BLUE” didn't go with GOLF COURSE PARTS

Seems like: GOLF COURSE PARTS → Actually: INDECENT

while 'blue' can refer to a color, in this context it refers to profane or indecent language

Why “ROUGH” didn't go with INDECENT

Seems like: INDECENT → Actually: GOLF COURSE PARTS

while 'rough' can refer to a difficult situation, in this context it refers to unsmooth terrain on a golf course

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