Yellow group — PESTERS
Why is “BADGERS” in the Yellow group?
short-legged omnivorous mammals, also a term for persistent and annoying individuals
Connections Hints for February 21, 2024 #254
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 21, 2024 #254
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 2024-02-21. 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 — February 21, 2024
Green Category — February 21, 2024
Blue Category — February 21, 2024
Purple Category — February 21, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — SCHOOL OF ___
Why is “HARD KNOCKS” in the Green group?
a phrase meaning difficult or challenging experiences, also a term for a school of thought or a musical
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 21, 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.
- BUGS
- Definition: insects, but also a common term for errors in computer programming
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings in different contexts
- KEYS
- Definition: devices for operating a lock, but also a part of a musical instrument or a computer input device
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings in different contexts
- SCHOOL
- Definition: an institution for education, but also a group of fish
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings in different contexts
- TESTS
- Definition: examinations or evaluations, but also a part of a musical composition
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings in different contexts
Connections #254 explained
Why these words connect (February 21, 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: PESTERS
These are all words for animals or people that can be considered pests, including badgers, bugs, hounds, and nags, which are all known to be persistent and annoying in different contexts
Green group: TONY WINNERS FOR BEST MUSICAL
These are all musicals that have won the Tony Award for Best Musical, including Annie, Cabaret, Cats, and Company, which are all renowned for their exceptional storytelling and performances
Blue group: THEY HAVE KEYS
These are all words for objects or concepts that have keys, including computers, pianos, and tests, which all require some form of input or operation using keys
Purple group: SCHOOL OF ___
These are all phrases or institutions related to learning or thought, including School of Fish, School of Hard Knocks, School of Rock, and School of Thought, which all convey different approaches to education or personal growth
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.
“CATS”
Seems like it belongs to: SCHOOL OF ___
Actually belongs to: TONY WINNERS FOR BEST MUSICAL
CATS is a musical, but it's also a term that could fit the SCHOOL OF ___ category, making it a tricky red herring
“SUPER”
Seems like it belongs to: SCHOOL OF ___
Actually belongs to: THEY HAVE KEYS
SUPER can be a term for something excellent, but in this context, it refers to a type of computer or a prefix, making it a misleading word
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CATS” didn't go with SCHOOL OF ___
Seems like: SCHOOL OF ___ → Actually: TONY WINNERS FOR BEST MUSICAL
CATS is a musical, but it's also a term that could fit the SCHOOL OF ___ category, making it a tricky red herring
Why “SUPER” didn't go with SCHOOL OF ___
Seems like: SCHOOL OF ___ → Actually: THEY HAVE KEYS
SUPER can be a term for something excellent, but in this context, it refers to a type of computer or a prefix, making it a misleading word