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Connections Hints for March 17, 2024 #279

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for March 17, 2024 #279

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Yellow Category — March 17, 2024

Green Category — March 17, 2024

Blue Category — March 17, 2024

Purple Category — March 17, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — FOOLISHNESS

Why is “ABSURDITY” in the Yellow group?

the quality of being ridiculous or unreasonable

Yellow group — FOOLISHNESS

Why is “NONSENSE” in the Yellow group?

language or behavior that is meaningless or absurd

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (March 17, 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.

CUT
Definition: a reduction or a style of clothing
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a reduction or a style of clothing
FAKE
Definition: artificial or a type of 'deep' word
Why it's tricky: can refer to artificial or a type of 'deep' word
FREEZE
Definition: to become or remain motionless
Why it's tricky: can be a verb or a noun, and is also a 'deep' word
MADNESS
Definition: a state of insanity or a type of foolishness
Why it's tricky: can refer to a state of insanity or a type of foolishness

Connections #279 explained

Why these words connect (March 17, 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: FOOLISHNESS

These words all describe types of foolish or irrational behavior, including absurdity, folly, madness, and nonsense.

Green group: MOVE FORWARD

These words all describe actions or movements that progress or advance, including advancing, marching, progressing, and pushing.

Blue group: THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK

These words all describe objects or substances that have a strong or unpleasant odor, including cheese, feet, garbage, and skunks.

Purple group: WORDS AFTER 'DEEP'

These words all follow 'deep' in a phrase or expression, including deep cut, deep fake, deep freeze, and deep six.

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.

CUT

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS AFTER 'DEEP'

Actually belongs to: MOVE FORWARD

Although 'cut' can be a word that follows 'deep', it is more likely to be associated with moving forward or progressing.

GARBAGE

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK

Actually belongs to: FOOLISHNESS

While garbage can be smelly, it is not necessarily a type of foolishness, but rather a type of waste.

SKUNK

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK

Actually belongs to: WORDS AFTER 'DEEP'

Although skunks are known for their strong odor, the word 'skunk' is not necessarily related to the category of things that might stink.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CUT” didn't go with WORDS AFTER 'DEEP'

Seems like: WORDS AFTER 'DEEP' → Actually: MOVE FORWARD

Although 'cut' can be a word that follows 'deep', it is more likely to be associated with moving forward or progressing.

Why “GARBAGE” didn't go with THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK

Seems like: THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK → Actually: FOOLISHNESS

While garbage can be smelly, it is not necessarily a type of foolishness, but rather a type of waste.

Why “SKUNK” didn't go with THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK

Seems like: THINGS THAT MIGHT STINK → Actually: WORDS AFTER 'DEEP'

Although skunks are known for their strong odor, the word 'skunk' is not necessarily related to the category of things that might stink.

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