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Connections Hints for January 3, 2024 #205

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for January 3, 2024 #205

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2024-01-03. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — January 3, 2024

Green Category — January 3, 2024

Blue Category — January 3, 2024

Purple Category — January 3, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

Why is “TICK” in the Green group?

a mark or check made to indicate selection or confirmation

Blue group — RAPPERS MINUS FIRST LETTER

Why is “40” in the Blue group?

a shortened form of the rapper's name 'Drake', minus the first letter 'D'

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 3, 2024)

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.

BUG
Definition: a hidden listening device
Why it's tricky: can also refer to an insect or a software error
TAP
Definition: a hidden listening device
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a faucet or a light touch
MARK
Definition: to select or check a box on a form
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a symbol or a score
CHECK
Definition: to select or mark a box on a form
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a financial transaction or a verification process

Connections #205 explained

Why these words connect (January 3, 2024)

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: MOVE THROUGH THE AIR

These are all verbs that describe the act of moving through the air, such as floating, flying, gliding, or soaring, often used to describe the motion of objects or living things.

Green group: HIDDEN LISTENING DEVICES

These are all nouns that describe devices used to secretly listen to conversations, such as bugs, microphones, or wires, often used in espionage or surveillance.

Blue group: SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

These are all verbs that describe the act of selecting or marking a box on a form, such as checking, marking, or ticking, often used in surveys or applications.

Purple group: RAPPERS MINUS FIRST LETTER

These are all words that are formed by removing the first letter of a famous rapper's name, such as Drake, J. Cole, or T-Pain, often used in wordplay or puzzles.

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.

WIRE

Seems like it belongs to: SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

Actually belongs to: HIDDEN LISTENING DEVICES

although 'wire' can refer to a thin, flexible thread, in this context it's a hidden listening device

X

Seems like it belongs to: RAPPERS MINUS FIRST LETTER

Actually belongs to: SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

although 'X' can be a shortened form of a rapper's name, in this context it's a mark used to select a box on a form

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “WIRE” didn't go with SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

Seems like: SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM → Actually: HIDDEN LISTENING DEVICES

although 'wire' can refer to a thin, flexible thread, in this context it's a hidden listening device

Why “X” didn't go with RAPPERS MINUS FIRST LETTER

Seems like: RAPPERS MINUS FIRST LETTER → Actually: SELECT, AS A BOX ON A FORM

although 'X' can be a shortened form of a rapper's name, in this context it's a mark used to select a box on a form

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