Green group — THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
Why is “WHAC-A-MOLE” in the Green group?
a game where players use a mallet to hit popping targets
Connections Hints for December 2, 2024 #539
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for December 2, 2024 #539
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 2024-12-02. 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 — December 2, 2024
Green Category — December 2, 2024
Blue Category — December 2, 2024
Purple Category — December 2, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — ICON EMBROIDERED ON A POLO SHIRT
Why is “POLO PLAYER” in the Blue group?
a logo featuring a polo player, often associated with the Ralph Lauren brand
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 2, 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.
- TRUMPET
- Definition: to proclaim or announce loudly
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a musical instrument
- SWOOSH
- Definition: the Nike logo
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a swift, sweeping motion
- LAUREL
- Definition: a wreath or symbol of achievement
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the laurel tree
- CROCODILE
- Definition: the Lacoste logo
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the animal
Connections #539 explained
Why these words connect (December 2, 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: ANNOUNCE
These words all relate to making a public announcement or declaration, often through a formal or official channel.
Green group: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
These words all relate to activities or objects that involve the use of a mallet, whether it's a game, a sport, or a musical instrument.
Blue group: ICON EMBROIDERED ON A POLO SHIRT
These words all relate to icons or symbols that are often embroidered on polo shirts, whether it's a logo, a character, or a symbol of achievement.
Purple group: ___ CLIP
These words all relate to types of clips, whether it's a device for holding things together or a type of fastener.
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.
“CROQUET”
Seems like it belongs to: ANNOUNCE
Actually belongs to: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
Croquet is a game that involves mallets, but its name might suggest an announcement or declaration.
“SWOOSH”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
Actually belongs to: ICON EMBROIDERED ON A POLO SHIRT
The word 'SWOOSH' might suggest a swift motion, but it's actually the Nike logo, which is an icon embroidered on a polo shirt.
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “CROQUET” didn't go with ANNOUNCE
Seems like: ANNOUNCE → Actually: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
Croquet is a game that involves mallets, but its name might suggest an announcement or declaration.
Why “SWOOSH” didn't go with THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS
Seems like: THINGS INVOLVING MALLETS → Actually: ICON EMBROIDERED ON A POLO SHIRT
The word 'SWOOSH' might suggest a swift motion, but it's actually the Nike logo, which is an icon embroidered on a polo shirt.