Green group — THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Why is “POLLEN” in the Green group?
A fine powder produced by plants as part of their reproductive cycle, often causing allergic reactions
Connections Hints for January 9, 2024 #211
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 9, 2024 #211
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Yellow Category — January 9, 2024
Green Category — January 9, 2024
Blue Category — January 9, 2024
Purple Category — January 9, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — TITULAR FICTIONAL DETECTIVES
Why is “SHAFT” in the Purple group?
The title character of a 1971 film and its sequels, a private detective played by Richard Roundtree
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 9, 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.
- SALT
- Definition: A chemical element and a seasoning
- Why it's tricky: Salt has multiple meanings, including a chemical element and a seasoning, which could lead to confusion
- HEAT
- Definition: A form of energy and a cooking technique
- Why it's tricky: Heat has multiple meanings, including a form of energy and a cooking technique, which could lead to confusion
- FAT
- Definition: A type of macronutrient and a fundamental element of cooking
- Why it's tricky: Fat has multiple meanings, including a type of macronutrient and a fundamental element of cooking, which could lead to confusion
- ACID
- Definition: A chemical substance and a fundamental element of cooking
- Why it's tricky: Acid has multiple meanings, including a chemical substance and a fundamental element of cooking, which could lead to confusion
Connections #211 explained
Why these words connect (January 9, 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: CLEANING SUPPLIES
These are all common household items used for cleaning, including a broom for sweeping and a mop for floors.
Green group: ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT
These are the fundamental elements of cooking as outlined by chef Samin Nosrat, including salt for flavor and heat for transformation.
Blue group: THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
These are all common substances that can trigger sneezing, including dust and pollen from plants.
Purple group: TITULAR FICTIONAL DETECTIVES
These are all fictional detectives who are the main characters of their respective stories, including Magnum from the TV series and Monk from the TV show.
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.
“PEPPER”
Seems like it belongs to: ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT
Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Pepper seems like it belongs to the cooking group due to its common usage as a spice, but it's actually a substance that can make you sneeze
“FAT”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Actually belongs to: ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT
Fat seems like it belongs to the sneezing group due to its potential to cause allergic reactions, but it's actually a fundamental element of cooking
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “PEPPER” didn't go with ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT
Seems like: ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT → Actually: THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Pepper seems like it belongs to the cooking group due to its common usage as a spice, but it's actually a substance that can make you sneeze
Why “FAT” didn't go with THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE
Seems like: THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SNEEZE → Actually: ELEMENTS OF COOKING, PER SAMIN NOSRAT
Fat seems like it belongs to the sneezing group due to its potential to cause allergic reactions, but it's actually a fundamental element of cooking