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Connections Hints for December 14, 2023 #185

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 14, 2023 #185

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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 14, 2023

Green Category — December 14, 2023

Blue Category — December 14, 2023

Purple Category — December 14, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — PESTER

Why is “BADGER” in the Yellow group?

to pester or annoy someone, often in a persistent manner

Purple group — SILVER ___

Why is “LINING” in the Purple group?

a phrase 'silver lining', meaning a positive aspect of a difficult situation

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 14, 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.

BADGER
Definition: to pester or annoy someone
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including an animal and a verb
FORK
Definition: to divide or split something
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a utensil and a verb
SPOON
Definition: a utensil, but also part of the phrase 'silver spoon'
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a utensil and an idiomatic expression
LINING
Definition: a phrase 'silver lining', meaning a positive aspect of a difficult situation
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a fabric layer and an idiomatic expression

Connections #185 explained

Why these words connect (December 14, 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: PESTER

These words all describe ways to pester or annoy someone, often in a persistent manner. They are all verbs that can be used to describe the act of bothering someone.

Green group: SPORTS VENUES

These words all describe types of sports venues, such as arenas, stadiums, and fields. They are all nouns that can be used to describe a place where sports are played.

Blue group: SEPARATE

These words all describe ways to separate or divide something, often into distinct parts. They are all verbs that can be used to describe the act of separating something.

Purple group: SILVER ___

These words all describe phrases that start with 'silver', often used to describe something that is valuable or desirable. They are all nouns that can be used to describe a thing or a concept.

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.

FOX

Seems like it belongs to: PESTER

Actually belongs to: SILVER ___

The word 'fox' seems like it could fit in the PESTER category, but it's actually part of the SILVER ___ category, as in 'silver fox'.

FIELD

Seems like it belongs to: SEPARATE

Actually belongs to: SPORTS VENUES

The word 'field' seems like it could fit in the SEPARATE category, but it's actually part of the SPORTS VENUES category, as in a sports field.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “FOX” didn't go with PESTER

Seems like: PESTER → Actually: SILVER ___

The word 'fox' seems like it could fit in the PESTER category, but it's actually part of the SILVER ___ category, as in 'silver fox'.

Why “FIELD” didn't go with SEPARATE

Seems like: SEPARATE → Actually: SPORTS VENUES

The word 'field' seems like it could fit in the SEPARATE category, but it's actually part of the SPORTS VENUES category, as in a sports field.

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