Green group — SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
Why is “RIFFLE” in the Green group?
to flip through pages quickly, often in a careless manner
Connections Hints for December 15, 2024 #552
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 15, 2024 #552
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 2024-12-15. 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 15, 2024
Green Category — December 15, 2024
Blue Category — December 15, 2024
Purple Category — December 15, 2024
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — POP SINGERS MINUS 'S'
Why is “SPEAR” in the Purple group?
a reference to pop singer Spears, without the 's'
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 15, 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.
- LEAF
- Definition: a page of a book
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a part of a plant
- KEY
- Definition: a reference to pop singer Key, without the 's'
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a device for operating a lock
- STYLE
- Definition: a reference to pop singer Style, without the 's'
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a manner of doing something
- MACE
- Definition: a spice
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a chemical irritant
Connections #552 explained
Why these words connect (December 15, 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: SPICES
These are all types of spices commonly used in cooking, including CLOVE, MACE, NUTMEG, and PEPPER, which are often used to add flavor to various dishes.
Green group: PERFORM POORLY
These are all words that describe performing poorly or failing, including FLAIL, FLOP, FLOUNDER, and TANK, which are often used to describe someone or something that is not doing well.
Blue group: SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
These are all words that describe the act of skimming through pages, including FLIP, LEAF, RIFFLE, and THUMB, which are often used to describe someone quickly browsing through a book or magazine.
Purple group: POP SINGERS MINUS 'S'
These are all words that are references to pop singers without the letter 's', including KEY, MAR, SPEAR, and STYLE, which are often used to describe famous singers such as Key, Mariah, Spears, and Style.
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.
“FLIP”
Seems like it belongs to: PERFORM POORLY
Actually belongs to: SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
FLIP can mean to fail, but in this context, it means to turn pages quickly
“TANK”
Seems like it belongs to: SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
Actually belongs to: PERFORM POORLY
TANK can refer to a container, but in this context, it means to fail or perform poorly
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “FLIP” didn't go with PERFORM POORLY
Seems like: PERFORM POORLY → Actually: SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
FLIP can mean to fail, but in this context, it means to turn pages quickly
Why “TANK” didn't go with SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES
Seems like: SKIM THROUGH, AS PAGES → Actually: PERFORM POORLY
TANK can refer to a container, but in this context, it means to fail or perform poorly