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Connections Hints for December 15, 2023 #186

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 15, 2023 #186

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Yellow Category — December 15, 2023

Green Category — December 15, 2023

Blue Category — December 15, 2023

Purple Category — December 15, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — SWINDLER

Why is “QUACK” in the Purple group?

a person who pretends to be a medical doctor

Green group — GET LOW

Why is “CROUCH” in the Green group?

to lower the body by bending the knees

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 15, 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.

CRAB
Definition: a grumpy person
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a type of seafood
QUACK
Definition: a medical impostor
Why it's tricky: also refers to the sound a duck makes
SHARK
Definition: a swindler or cheat
Why it's tricky: also refers to a type of fish
DUCK
Definition: to lower or bend down
Why it's tricky: also refers to a type of bird

Connections #186 explained

Why these words connect (December 15, 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: CURMUDGEON

These are all words that describe someone who is grumpy or irritable, often used to describe a person who complains a lot

Green group: GET LOW

These are all words that describe physical positions or actions that involve lowering the body

Blue group: NATIONAL SYMBOLS

These are all words that represent symbols of a country, such as a flag or an anthem

Purple group: SWINDLER

These are all words that describe people who cheat or deceive others, often for financial gain

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.

DUCK

Seems like it belongs to: SWINDLER

Actually belongs to: GET LOW

DUCK can mean to lower or bend down, but it also sounds like a type of swindler

SHARK

Seems like it belongs to: NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Actually belongs to: SWINDLER

SHARK can refer to a type of fish that is a national symbol, but in this context it refers to a swindler

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “DUCK” didn't go with SWINDLER

Seems like: SWINDLER → Actually: GET LOW

DUCK can mean to lower or bend down, but it also sounds like a type of swindler

Why “SHARK” didn't go with NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Seems like: NATIONAL SYMBOLS → Actually: SWINDLER

SHARK can refer to a type of fish that is a national symbol, but in this context it refers to a swindler

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