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Connections Hints for November 18, 2024 #525

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 18, 2024 #525

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Yellow Category — November 18, 2024

Green Category — November 18, 2024

Blue Category — November 18, 2024

Purple Category — November 18, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — THINGS WITH SPOTS

Why is “DOMINO” in the Blue group?

a small, rectangular block with two groups of spots, used in the game of dominoes

Purple group — ___ CRAB

Why is “HORSESHOE” in the Purple group?

a type of crab, also known as a horseshoe crab, with a distinctive U-shaped shell

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (November 18, 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.

COMB
Definition: a tool for arranging or smoothing hair
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a comb as in a honeycomb
DIE
Definition: a small cube with numbered sides, used in games of chance
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the act of passing away
ROLLERS
Definition: cylindrical devices used for styling or curling hair
Why it's tricky: can also refer to machinery parts or sports equipment
SPIDER
Definition: a type of crab, also known as a spider crab
Why it's tricky: more commonly refers to the eight-legged arachnid

Connections #525 explained

Why these words connect (November 18, 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: USED IN HAIR CARE

These are all common tools and products used in hair care, including combs, dryers, and hairspray. They are used to style, dry, and hold hair in place.

Green group: MONTHLY EXPENSES

These are all common monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, and phone bills. They are regular costs that individuals or households must pay to maintain their standard of living.

Blue group: THINGS WITH SPOTS

These are all things that have spots or distinctive markings, including animals, objects, and games. They are characterized by their unique patterns or features.

Purple group: ___ CRAB

These are all types of crabs, including fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, and horseshoe crabs. They are characterized by their unique names or features.

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.

GAS

Seems like it belongs to: USED IN HAIR CARE

Actually belongs to: MONTHLY EXPENSES

while gas can be used in hair care products, in this context it refers to a monthly expense for fuel

COMB

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS WITH SPOTS

Actually belongs to: USED IN HAIR CARE

while a comb can have spots or teeth, in this context it refers to a hair care tool

SPIDER

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS WITH SPOTS

Actually belongs to: ___ CRAB

while spiders have spots, in this context spider refers to a type of crab

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “GAS” didn't go with USED IN HAIR CARE

Seems like: USED IN HAIR CARE → Actually: MONTHLY EXPENSES

while gas can be used in hair care products, in this context it refers to a monthly expense for fuel

Why “COMB” didn't go with THINGS WITH SPOTS

Seems like: THINGS WITH SPOTS → Actually: USED IN HAIR CARE

while a comb can have spots or teeth, in this context it refers to a hair care tool

Why “SPIDER” didn't go with THINGS WITH SPOTS

Seems like: THINGS WITH SPOTS → Actually: ___ CRAB

while spiders have spots, in this context spider refers to a type of crab

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