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Connections Hints for May 20, 2024 #343

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 20, 2024 #343

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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 — May 20, 2024

Green Category — May 20, 2024

Blue Category — May 20, 2024

Purple Category — May 20, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — SORCERER’S OUTPUT

Why is “HEX” in the Yellow group?

a magical spell, especially one intended to harm or curse

Blue group — ACTION MOVIE DIRECTORS

Why is “WOO” in the Blue group?

a surname of the film director John Woo, known for action movies

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 20, 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.

CHARM
Definition: a magical spell or attraction
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pleasing or attractive quality
TOOL
Definition: an object used for a particular task
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a person being used or manipulated
MASK
Definition: a covering for the face, especially as a disguise
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a concealment of one's true feelings
SCOTT
Definition: a surname of several notable film directors
Why it's tricky: can also refer to other notable individuals or a geographic location

Connections #343 explained

Why these words connect (May 20, 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: SORCERER’S OUTPUT

These are all terms related to magic, including spells, charms, and hexes, often used in fantasy stories and folklore.

Green group: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

These are all terms that describe something or someone being manipulated or used, often in a metaphorical or literal sense, such as a puppet on strings or a tool being used for a task.

Blue group: CLASSIC SUPERHERO WEAR

These are all iconic parts of classic superhero costumes, often seen in comic books, movies, and TV shows, such as Superman's cape or Batman's mask.

Purple group: ACTION MOVIE DIRECTORS

These are all surnames of notable film directors known for their work in the action movie genre, such as Michael Bay or John Carpenter.

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.

INSTRUMENT

Seems like it belongs to: SORCERER’S OUTPUT

Actually belongs to: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

while an instrument can be used in magic, it's more commonly associated with being manipulated or used as a tool

MASK

Seems like it belongs to: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

Actually belongs to: CLASSIC SUPERHERO WEAR

while a mask can be used to conceal one's identity, it's more commonly associated with superhero costumes

TOOL

Seems like it belongs to: SORCERER’S OUTPUT

Actually belongs to: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

while a tool can be used in magic, it's more commonly associated with being used or manipulated

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “INSTRUMENT” didn't go with SORCERER’S OUTPUT

Seems like: SORCERER’S OUTPUT → Actually: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

while an instrument can be used in magic, it's more commonly associated with being manipulated or used as a tool

Why “MASK” didn't go with ONE BEING MANIPULATED

Seems like: ONE BEING MANIPULATED → Actually: CLASSIC SUPERHERO WEAR

while a mask can be used to conceal one's identity, it's more commonly associated with superhero costumes

Why “TOOL” didn't go with SORCERER’S OUTPUT

Seems like: SORCERER’S OUTPUT → Actually: ONE BEING MANIPULATED

while a tool can be used in magic, it's more commonly associated with being used or manipulated

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