Yellow group — ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
Why is “HORSEFLY” in the Yellow group?
a type of fly that resembles a horse, known for its large size and biting behavior
Connections Hints for May 18, 2024 #341
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 18, 2024 #341
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 2024-05-18. 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 — May 18, 2024
Green Category — May 18, 2024
Blue Category — May 18, 2024
Purple Category — May 18, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — SHARP TURNS
Why is “SWITCHBACK” in the Blue group?
a sharp turn, especially on a road or trail, that reverses direction
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 18, 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.
- BULLDOG
- Definition: a breed of dog
- Why it's tricky: also a term for a tenacious person
- SWITCHBACK
- Definition: a sharp turn, especially on a road or trail
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a reversal or change in direction
- MOUSETRAP
- Definition: a device for catching mice
- Why it's tricky: also a term for a clever or deceptive device
- CHARADES
- Definition: a classic party game
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pretentious or insincere act
Connections #341 explained
Why these words connect (May 18, 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: ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
These are all animals whose names are a combination of two other animals, such as a BULLDOG, which is a combination of a bull and a dog
Green group: SHARP TURNS
These are all terms for sharp turns, including DOGLEG, HAIRPIN, SWITCHBACK, and ZAG, which are all used to describe sudden changes in direction
Blue group: CLASSIC PARTY GAMES
These are all classic party games, including CATEGORIES, CHARADES, FISHBOWL, and WEREWOLF, which are all popular activities at social gatherings
Purple group: THINGS WITH SPRING/S
These are all things that have springs or are related to the concept of spring, including CLOCK, MATTRESS, MOUSETRAP, and TRAMPOLINE, which all use springs in some way
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.
“FISHBOWL”
Seems like it belongs to: ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
Actually belongs to: CLASSIC PARTY GAMES
FISHBOWL seems like it could be an animal, but it's actually a popular party game
“CATFISH”
Seems like it belongs to: CLASSIC PARTY GAMES
Actually belongs to: ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
CATFISH is an animal, but its name might make you think of the party game CATFISHING
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “FISHBOWL” didn't go with ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
Seems like: ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS → Actually: CLASSIC PARTY GAMES
FISHBOWL seems like it could be an animal, but it's actually a popular party game
Why “CATFISH” didn't go with CLASSIC PARTY GAMES
Seems like: CLASSIC PARTY GAMES → Actually: ANIMALS WHOSE NAMES ARE TWO ANIMALS
CATFISH is an animal, but its name might make you think of the party game CATFISHING