Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for September 25, 2024 #471

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 25, 2024 #471

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 2024-09-25. 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 — September 25, 2024

Green Category — September 25, 2024

Blue Category — September 25, 2024

Purple Category — September 25, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — TRIO OF SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS

Why is “TRIFECTA” in the Blue group?

A rare and difficult bet in horse racing, requiring the first three finishers in order

Green group — FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

Why is “SPROUTS” in the Green group?

A vegetable, and also a reference to Brussels, a city known for its sprouts

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 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.

TRIFECTA
Definition: A bet in which a person picks the first three finishers in a race, in order
Why it's tricky: Uncommon term outside of horse racing
SPROUTS
Definition: A type of vegetable, but also a city in Belgium known for its sprouts
Why it's tricky: Multiple meanings, including a city and a food
BROIL
Definition: To cook by direct heat, but not a city-based food in this context
Why it's tricky: Misleading word, sounds like 'Brussels', a city with a famous food
WINGS
Definition: A type of food, specifically chicken wings, often named after cities like Buffalo
Why it's tricky: Common food item with multiple city-based variations

Connections #471 explained

Why these words connect (September 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: TRIO OF SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS

These are all rare achievements in sports, including scoring three goals in one game, winning three consecutive championships, and a difficult bet in horse racing.

Green group: NEEDS FOR PAINTING A ROOM

These are all necessary items when painting a room, including protective gear and tools.

Blue group: FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

These are all types of food named after cities, including a famous steak sandwich and a type of chicken wings.

Purple group: ___ DERBY

These are all events or competitions with 'Derby' in the name, including a famous horse race and a demolition car event.

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.

BROIL

Seems like it belongs to: FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

Actually belongs to: None, it's a cooking method

Sounds like 'Brussels', a city with a famous food, but it's actually a cooking method

HOME RUN

Seems like it belongs to: FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

Actually belongs to: ___ DERBY

Sounds like a type of food, but it's actually a term from baseball, related to the Home Run Derby

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “BROIL” didn't go with FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

Seems like: FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES → Actually: None, it's a cooking method

Sounds like 'Brussels', a city with a famous food, but it's actually a cooking method

Why “HOME RUN” didn't go with FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES

Seems like: FOOD NAMED AFTER CITIES → Actually: ___ DERBY

Sounds like a type of food, but it's actually a term from baseball, related to the Home Run Derby

Browse by Date

2026

March

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
12