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Connections Hints for February 16, 2024 #249

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 16, 2024 #249

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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 — February 16, 2024

Green Category — February 16, 2024

Blue Category — February 16, 2024

Purple Category — February 16, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

Why is “SHUTTLECOCK” in the Green group?

a projectile made with feathers, used in the game of badminton

Green group — THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

Why is “HEADDRESS” in the Green group?

a decorative headpiece, often made with feathers

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (February 16, 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.

BOA
Definition: a type of feathered accessory
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of snake
RUBY
Definition: a programming language
Why it's tricky: also a precious gemstone
INSPIRATION
Definition: a creative spark that can strike
Why it's tricky: can also refer to breathing in
SHUTTLECOCK
Definition: a projectile made with feathers
Why it's tricky: also a term in badminton

Connections #249 explained

Why these words connect (February 16, 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: COMFY SHOES

These are all types of shoes designed for comfort, often worn casually

Green group: THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

These are all objects that incorporate feathers in their design or construction, often for decorative or functional purposes

Blue group: PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

These are all popular programming languages used for various applications, including web development and data analysis

Purple group: THINGS THAT CAN STRIKE

These are all things that can strike, whether physically or figuratively, including natural phenomena and human actions

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.

BOA

Seems like it belongs to: COMFY SHOES

Actually belongs to: THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

BOA can refer to a type of snake, but also a feathered accessory, making it a tricky fit for COMFY SHOES

RUBY

Seems like it belongs to: COMFY SHOES

Actually belongs to: PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

RUBY is a programming language, but also a type of gemstone, which could lead to confusion with COMFY SHOES

COBRA

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT CAN STRIKE

COBRA is a type of snake that can strike, but its name could lead to confusion with feathered accessories

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BOA” didn't go with COMFY SHOES

Seems like: COMFY SHOES → Actually: THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

BOA can refer to a type of snake, but also a feathered accessory, making it a tricky fit for COMFY SHOES

Why “RUBY” didn't go with COMFY SHOES

Seems like: COMFY SHOES → Actually: PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES

RUBY is a programming language, but also a type of gemstone, which could lead to confusion with COMFY SHOES

Why “COBRA” didn't go with THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS

Seems like: THINGS MADE WITH FEATHERS → Actually: THINGS THAT CAN STRIKE

COBRA is a type of snake that can strike, but its name could lead to confusion with feathered accessories

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