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Connections Hints for November 16, 2024 #523

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for November 16, 2024 #523

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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 — November 16, 2024

Green Category — November 16, 2024

Blue Category — November 16, 2024

Purple Category — November 16, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — KINDS OF HATS

Why is “PILLBOX” in the Green group?

a small, cylindrical hat, typically made of fabric or straw

Green group — KINDS OF HATS

Why is “SNAPBACK” in the Green group?

a type of hat with a plastic snap closure in the back

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (November 16, 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.

SEAL
Definition: a device to prevent leaks
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of marine mammal
COVER
Definition: a thing that prevents leaks
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a thing that conceals or protects something
CAP
Definition: a thing that prevents leaks
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of headwear
GO
Definition: a phrase used in various contexts
Why it's tricky: can be used in many different phrases, such as 'go bananas' or 'go commando'

Connections #523 explained

Why these words connect (November 16, 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: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

These are all things that can be used to prevent leaks, such as a cap on a bottle or a seal on a pipe. They are all related to the concept of containment and prevention of fluid escape.

Green group: KINDS OF HATS

These are all types of hats, including a beret, a derby, a pillbox, and a snapback. They are all related to the concept of headwear and fashion.

Blue group: COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM MEMBERS

These are all names of college football teams, including the Gators, Sooners, Volunteers, and Wolverines. They are all related to the concept of college athletics and team spirit.

Purple group: GO ___

These are all phrases that start with the word 'go', including 'go bananas', 'go commando', 'go figure', and 'go rogue'. They are all related to the concept of phrases and idioms in language.

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.

CAP

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF HATS

Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

while 'cap' can refer to a type of headwear, in this context it refers to a thing that prevents leaks

COVER

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF HATS

Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

while 'cover' can refer to a thing that conceals or protects something, in this context it refers to a thing that prevents leaks

GATOR

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

Actually belongs to: COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM MEMBERS

while 'gator' sounds like it could be related to leaks, it is actually a reference to the University of Florida's football team

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CAP” didn't go with KINDS OF HATS

Seems like: KINDS OF HATS → Actually: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

while 'cap' can refer to a type of headwear, in this context it refers to a thing that prevents leaks

Why “COVER” didn't go with KINDS OF HATS

Seems like: KINDS OF HATS → Actually: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

while 'cover' can refer to a thing that conceals or protects something, in this context it refers to a thing that prevents leaks

Why “GATOR” didn't go with THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS

Seems like: THINGS THAT PREVENT LEAKS → Actually: COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM MEMBERS

while 'gator' sounds like it could be related to leaks, it is actually a reference to the University of Florida's football team

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