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Connections Hints for December 28, 2024 #565

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 28, 2024 #565

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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 28, 2024

Green Category — December 28, 2024

Blue Category — December 28, 2024

Purple Category — December 28, 2024

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

Why is “AEGIS” in the Blue group?

a shield or protective device in Greek mythology, often associated with Zeus

Purple group — STARTING WITH POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS

Why is “HISTAMINE” in the Purple group?

a chemical involved in immune responses, especially in allergic reactions

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (December 28, 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.

AEGIS
Definition: a shield or protective device in Greek mythology
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a type of insurance
HABIT
Definition: a usual practice or activity
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of clothing
ITSY
Definition: small or tiny, as in 'itsy-bitsy'
Why it's tricky: informal or colloquial usage
CAN
Definition: a container, especially for food or drink
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including 'to be able to'

Connections #565 explained

Why these words connect (December 28, 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: “NOTHING TO IT!”

These phrases are all idiomatic expressions that convey a sense of ease or simplicity, often used to describe tasks or situations that are not challenging.

Green group: OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

These objects are all significant elements from Greek mythology, often associated with gods, heroes, or legendary events.

Blue group: PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK

These phrases are all idiomatic expressions that involve kicking, often used to describe situations or actions that are troublesome or problematic.

Purple group: STARTING WITH POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS

These words are all examples of terms that start with possessive pronouns, such as 'her', 'his', 'its', or 'my'.

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.

APPLE

Seems like it belongs to: PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK

Actually belongs to: OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

the phrase 'apple of discord' might suggest a connection to kicking, but it's actually a reference to Greek mythology

HORNETS’ NEST

Seems like it belongs to: OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

Actually belongs to: PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK

the phrase 'hornets’ nest' might evoke images of mythological creatures, but it's actually a common idiom for a troublesome situation

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “APPLE” didn't go with PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK

Seems like: PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK → Actually: OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

the phrase 'apple of discord' might suggest a connection to kicking, but it's actually a reference to Greek mythology

Why “HORNETS’ NEST” didn't go with OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH

Seems like: OBJECTS FROM GREEK MYTH → Actually: PROVERBIAL THINGS TO KICK

the phrase 'hornets’ nest' might evoke images of mythological creatures, but it's actually a common idiom for a troublesome situation

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