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Connections Hints for December 14, 2024 #551

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 14, 2024 #551

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Yellow Category — December 14, 2024

Green Category — December 14, 2024

Blue Category — December 14, 2024

Purple Category — December 14, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — FISH

Why is “FLUKE” in the Yellow group?

A type of flatfish, often found in European waters

Green group — GLOBAL CURRENCIES

Why is “SOL” in the Green group?

The official currency of Peru, introduced in 1991

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 14, 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.

SOL
Definition: Peruvian currency
Why it's tricky: Also means 'sun' in Latin
SOLE
Definition: Type of fish
Why it's tricky: Also means 'only' or 'single'
REAL
Definition: Brazilian currency
Why it's tricky: Also means 'genuine' or 'authentic'
TANG
Definition: Type of fish
Why it's tricky: Also refers to a Chinese dynasty or a type of orange

Connections #551 explained

Why these words connect (December 14, 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: FISH

These are all names of fish, including the fluke, mullet, sole, and tang, which are commonly consumed in various parts of the world

Green group: WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE

These words are all part of the phrase 'going once, going twice, sold', which is traditionally used to conclude an auction

Blue group: GLOBAL CURRENCIES

These are all official currencies of various countries, including the pound, real, sol, and yuan, which are used for international trade and commerce

Purple group: WORDS BEFORE 'CUP'

These words are all used in combination with 'cup' to form phrases such as 'butter cup', 'diva cup', 'solo cup', and 'world cup', which have different meanings and uses

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.

SOLE

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS BEFORE 'CUP'

Actually belongs to: FISH

While 'sole' can be a word before 'cup', in this context it refers to a type of fish

REAL

Seems like it belongs to: WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE

Actually belongs to: GLOBAL CURRENCIES

Although 'real' can be an adjective, in this context it refers to the Brazilian currency

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “SOLE” didn't go with WORDS BEFORE 'CUP'

Seems like: WORDS BEFORE 'CUP' → Actually: FISH

While 'sole' can be a word before 'cup', in this context it refers to a type of fish

Why “REAL” didn't go with WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE

Seems like: WORDS IN AN AUCTION-ENDING PHRASE → Actually: GLOBAL CURRENCIES

Although 'real' can be an adjective, in this context it refers to the Brazilian currency

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