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Connections Hints for December 26, 2023 #197

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 26, 2023 #197

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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 26, 2023

Green Category — December 26, 2023

Blue Category — December 26, 2023

Purple Category — December 26, 2023

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — PAPER IN A BOOK

Why is “FOLIO” in the Green group?

a page number or a book format

Purple group — THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

Why is “THUMB” in the Purple group?

to touch or handle one's nose with the thumb

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 26, 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.

LEAF
Definition: a page in a book
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a plant part
STEM
Definition: to restrain or control
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a plant part or a field of study
CHECK
Definition: to restrain or limit
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a mark or a payment
HOLD
Definition: to grasp or grip one's nose
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pause or a grasp in general

Connections #197 explained

Why these words connect (December 26, 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: ROAD NAMES

These are all common names for roads or paths, often used in addresses or directions.

Green group: PAPER IN A BOOK

These are all terms used to describe parts of a book, such as pages or formats.

Blue group: RESTRAIN

These are all verbs that mean to restrain, control, or limit something or someone.

Purple group: THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

These are all verbs that describe actions people can take with their noses, such as blowing or picking.

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.

STEM

Seems like it belongs to: PAPER IN A BOOK

Actually belongs to: RESTRAIN

STEM can refer to a book's binding, but in this context, it means to restrain or control.

CHECK

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

Actually belongs to: RESTRAIN

CHECK can refer to a medical check-up, but in this context, it means to restrain or limit.

HOLD

Seems like it belongs to: ROAD NAMES

Actually belongs to: THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

HOLD can refer to a road or a path, but in this context, it means to grasp or grip one's nose.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “STEM” didn't go with PAPER IN A BOOK

Seems like: PAPER IN A BOOK → Actually: RESTRAIN

STEM can refer to a book's binding, but in this context, it means to restrain or control.

Why “CHECK” didn't go with THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

Seems like: THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE → Actually: RESTRAIN

CHECK can refer to a medical check-up, but in this context, it means to restrain or limit.

Why “HOLD” didn't go with ROAD NAMES

Seems like: ROAD NAMES → Actually: THINGS YOU CAN DO TO YOUR NOSE

HOLD can refer to a road or a path, but in this context, it means to grasp or grip one's nose.

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