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Connections Hints for July 14, 2024 #398

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for July 14, 2024 #398

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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 — July 14, 2024

Green Category — July 14, 2024

Blue Category — July 14, 2024

Purple Category — July 14, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — SLENDER PROJECTIONS

Why is “TINE” in the Yellow group?

a long, thin, pointed part, especially of a fork or antler

Yellow group — SLENDER PROJECTIONS

Why is “PRONG” in the Yellow group?

a pointed part, especially of a fork or other metal object

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (July 14, 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.

POINT
Definition: a sharp or tapering end
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a score or a location
LINE
Definition: a profession or occupation
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a row of objects or a phone connection
FIELD
Definition: an area of study or work
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a physical area or a background
MINT
Definition: in perfect condition, especially for collectibles
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of plant or a place where coins are made

Connections #398 explained

Why these words connect (July 14, 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: SLENDER PROJECTIONS

These are all words that describe long, thin, pointed parts, often found on objects like forks or antlers. They are all related by their shape and function.

Green group: CONDITIONS FOR COLLECTIBLES

These are all words that describe the condition of collectibles, ranging from poor to perfect. They are all related by their use in evaluating the quality of items.

Blue group: PROFESSION

These are all words that describe professions or occupations, often used to refer to a person's line of work. They are all related by their connection to careers and industries.

Purple group: WORDS BEFORE “NUT”

These are all words that are often used in combination with 'nut', such as types of nuts or phrases that include the word 'nut'. They are all related by their linguistic connection to the word 'nut'.

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.

FINE

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE “NUT”

Actually belongs to: CONDITIONS FOR COLLECTIBLES

FINE can be a type of nut, but in this context, it refers to the condition of a collectible

LINE

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE “NUT”

Actually belongs to: PROFESSION

LINE can be a word that comes before 'nut', but in this context, it refers to a profession or occupation

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “FINE” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE “NUT”

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE “NUT” → Actually: CONDITIONS FOR COLLECTIBLES

FINE can be a type of nut, but in this context, it refers to the condition of a collectible

Why “LINE” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE “NUT”

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE “NUT” → Actually: PROFESSION

LINE can be a word that comes before 'nut', but in this context, it refers to a profession or occupation

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