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Connections Hints for December 17, 2023 #188

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 17, 2023 #188

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Yellow Category — December 17, 2023

Green Category — December 17, 2023

Blue Category — December 17, 2023

Purple Category — December 17, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY

Why is “GALL” in the Blue group?

impudence or audacity, as in 'he had the gall to ask for a raise'

Blue group — BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY

Why is “STONES” in the Blue group?

testicles, as in 'he had the stones to ask her out'

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 17, 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.

BANK
Definition: financial institution
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a riverbank
STONES
Definition: testicles
Why it's tricky: can also refer to rocks or pebbles
GUTS
Definition: courage or determination
Why it's tricky: can also refer to intestines
NERVE
Definition: boldness or courage
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a bundle of fibers in the body

Connections #188 explained

Why these words connect (December 17, 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: RESERVE FOR LATER

These are all words related to saving or storing something, such as money in a bank or items in a stash.

Green group: BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY

These are all words that describe having courage or being bold, such as having the nerve or guts to do something.

Blue group: USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

These are all words that are typically used to build a snowman, such as sticks for the arms and coal for the eyes.

Purple group: FUNNY ___

These are all words that can be used to describe something funny, such as a funny bone or a funny business.

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.

BANK

Seems like it belongs to: USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

Actually belongs to: RESERVE FOR LATER

BANK can be a misleading word as it can be related to snowbank, but it actually belongs to the 'RESERVE FOR LATER' category.

STICKS

Seems like it belongs to: BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY

Actually belongs to: USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

STICKS can be a misleading word as it can be related to having the guts or nerve to do something, but it actually belongs to the 'USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN' category.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BANK” didn't go with USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

Seems like: USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN → Actually: RESERVE FOR LATER

BANK can be a misleading word as it can be related to snowbank, but it actually belongs to the 'RESERVE FOR LATER' category.

Why “STICKS” didn't go with BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY

Seems like: BOLDNESS, FIGURATIVELY → Actually: USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN

STICKS can be a misleading word as it can be related to having the guts or nerve to do something, but it actually belongs to the 'USED TO BUILD A SNOWMAN' category.

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