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Connections Hints for December 25, 2024 #562

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 25, 2024 #562

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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 — December 25, 2024

Green Category — December 25, 2024

Blue Category — December 25, 2024

Purple Category — December 25, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — ARCHERS

Why is “SAGITTARIUS” in the Blue group?

the ninth sign of the zodiac, represented by an archer, often associated with astrology

Green group — FEMALE ANIMALS

Why is “VIXEN” in the Green group?

a female fox, often used to describe a female animal, known for its cunning and agility

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 25, 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.

COMET
Definition: a celestial object that orbits the sun
Why it's tricky: can be confused with meteor or asteroid
CUPID
Definition: the Roman god of love, often depicted as an archer
Why it's tricky: can be associated with love or matchmaking rather than archery
SAGITTARIUS
Definition: the ninth sign of the zodiac, represented by an archer
Why it's tricky: can be associated with astrology rather than archery
VIXEN
Definition: a female fox, often used to describe a female animal
Why it's tricky: can be confused with other female animal names

Connections #562 explained

Why these words connect (December 25, 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: CELESTIAL OBJECTS

These are all objects that can be found in our solar system, including planets, moons, and stars. They are all connected by their celestial nature and their ability to be observed from Earth.

Green group: ARCHERS

These are all characters or figures known for their archery skills, including mythological figures, literary characters, and zodiac signs. They are all connected by their association with the bow and arrow.

Blue group: FEMALE ANIMALS

These are all words that refer to female animals, including mammals, birds, and insects. They are all connected by their feminine nature and their association with the natural world.

Purple group: “S.N.L.” CAST MEMBERS

These are all individuals who have been part of the cast of Saturday Night Live, a popular American sketch comedy show. They are all connected by their association with the show and their work in comedy.

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.

STAR

Seems like it belongs to: ARCHERS

Actually belongs to: CELESTIAL OBJECTS

while archers may aim for the stars, the word 'star' is actually a celestial object, not an archer

QUEEN

Seems like it belongs to: S.N.L. CAST MEMBERS

Actually belongs to: FEMALE ANIMALS

while there may be a queen bee among S.N.L. cast members, the word 'queen' is actually a title for a female animal, such as a bee or an ant

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “STAR” didn't go with ARCHERS

Seems like: ARCHERS → Actually: CELESTIAL OBJECTS

while archers may aim for the stars, the word 'star' is actually a celestial object, not an archer

Why “QUEEN” didn't go with S.N.L. CAST MEMBERS

Seems like: S.N.L. CAST MEMBERS → Actually: FEMALE ANIMALS

while there may be a queen bee among S.N.L. cast members, the word 'queen' is actually a title for a female animal, such as a bee or an ant

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