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Connections Hints for January 15, 2024 #217

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 15, 2024 #217

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Yellow Category — January 15, 2024

Green Category — January 15, 2024

Blue Category — January 15, 2024

Purple Category — January 15, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — MEDICINE FORMATS

Why is “SYRUP” in the Green group?

a sweet liquid medicine, often used for coughs

Blue group — PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Why is “CUSHION” in the Blue group?

a soft, padded barrier for protection

Word definitions

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

BUFFER
Definition: a protective barrier
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a computer science concept
PAD
Definition: a protective cushion
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a writing pad or a home
SLATE
Definition: a list of candidates
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of rock or a writing surface
TICKET
Definition: a list of candidates
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small piece of paper for admission or a traffic citation

Connections #217 explained

Why these words connect (January 15, 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: LIST OF CANDIDATES

these words are all terms used to describe a list of candidates, often in a political context

Green group: PROTECTIVE BARRIER

these words are all terms used to describe a barrier or shield, often used for safety or defense

Blue group: MEDICINE FORMATS

these words are all terms used to describe different formats of medicine, often used to administer medication

Purple group: PEA ___

these words are all terms used to describe a type of pea, often used in cooking or gardening

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.

COAT

Seems like it belongs to: PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Actually belongs to: PEA ___

while a coat can be protective, this word is actually part of a phrase 'pea coat'

PAD

Seems like it belongs to: MEDICINE FORMATS

Actually belongs to: PROTECTIVE BARRIER

while a pad can be a medical term, this word is actually a protective cushion

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “COAT” didn't go with PROTECTIVE BARRIER

Seems like: PROTECTIVE BARRIER → Actually: PEA ___

while a coat can be protective, this word is actually part of a phrase 'pea coat'

Why “PAD” didn't go with MEDICINE FORMATS

Seems like: MEDICINE FORMATS → Actually: PROTECTIVE BARRIER

while a pad can be a medical term, this word is actually a protective cushion

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