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Connections Hints for July 25, 2024 #409

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 25, 2024 #409

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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 25, 2024

Green Category — July 25, 2024

Blue Category — July 25, 2024

Purple Category — July 25, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

Why is “PARCHMENT” in the Blue group?

a writing material made from animal skin, used in ancient times

Green group — WRAPPED THINGS

Why is “SPRAIN” in the Green group?

an injury where a joint is twisted or stretched, often requiring wrapping

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (July 25, 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.

WAX
Definition: a substance used for writing on ancient surfaces
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a cosmetic or hair removal process
PARCHMENT
Definition: a writing material made from animal skin
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a modern paper-like material
FLAIR
Definition: a natural talent or aptitude
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a decorative or stylish quality
INSTINCT
Definition: a natural ability or intuition
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sudden or unreasoned impulse

Connections #409 explained

Why these words connect (July 25, 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: ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

These are all materials used for writing in ancient times, such as clay tablets, papyrus scrolls, and parchment sheets.

Green group: LEAD, AS A TV PROGRAM

These are all roles that people play when leading a TV program, such as anchoring the news or hosting a game show.

Blue group: NATURAL ABILITY

These are all words that describe a natural ability or talent that someone may possess, such as a faculty for music or a flair for languages.

Purple group: WRAPPED THINGS

These are all things that are typically wrapped, such as a burrito in a tortilla, a gift in paper, or a mummy in bandages.

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.

HOST

Seems like it belongs to: ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

Actually belongs to: LEAD, AS A TV PROGRAM

while 'host' can refer to an ancient writing surface, in this context it refers to a TV program host

WRAP

Seems like it belongs to: WRAPPED THINGS

Actually belongs to: none

while 'wrap' is related to the concept of wrapped things, it is not a word in this puzzle

PAPER

Seems like it belongs to: ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

Actually belongs to: none

while 'paper' is a writing material, it is not an ancient writing surface in this puzzle

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “HOST” didn't go with ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

Seems like: ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES → Actually: LEAD, AS A TV PROGRAM

while 'host' can refer to an ancient writing surface, in this context it refers to a TV program host

Why “WRAP” didn't go with WRAPPED THINGS

Seems like: WRAPPED THINGS → Actually: none

while 'wrap' is related to the concept of wrapped things, it is not a word in this puzzle

Why “PAPER” didn't go with ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES

Seems like: ANCIENT WRITING SURFACES → Actually: none

while 'paper' is a writing material, it is not an ancient writing surface in this puzzle

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