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Connections Hints for January 4, 2025 #572

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for January 4, 2025 #572

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Yellow Category — January 4, 2025

Green Category — January 4, 2025

Blue Category — January 4, 2025

Purple Category — January 4, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

Why is “SCRUNCH” in the Yellow group?

to compress or crush into a compact shape, often with a crunching sound

Blue group — DEPICTED IN DALÍ’S “THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY”

Why is “MELTING” in the Blue group?

becoming less solid or changing shape, often due to heat

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 4, 2025)

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.

CLOCK
Definition: a time-keeping device, often depicted in art
Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a verb to time or record
CHECK
Definition: to mark as completed
Why it's tricky: can also mean to verify or inspect
STRIKE
Definition: to mark as completed, often with a line
Why it's tricky: can also mean to hit or remove
SNAP
Definition: a type of fastener
Why it's tricky: can also mean to break or move suddenly

Connections #572 explained

Why these words connect (January 4, 2025)

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: CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

These are all verbs that describe the act of compressing or crushing something into a smaller shape, often with a change in texture or sound.

Green group: FASTENERS

These are all types of devices or objects used to fasten, hold, or secure other things, often with a mechanical or physical connection.

Blue group: MARK AS COMPLETED

These are all verbs that describe the act of marking or indicating that something is complete, often with a visual or symbolic representation.

Purple group: DEPICTED IN DALÍ’S “THE PERSISTENCE OF MEMORY”

These are all objects or concepts that appear in Salvador Dalí's famous painting 'The Persistence of Memory', often with a dreamlike or surreal quality.

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.

HOOK

Seems like it belongs to: CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

Actually belongs to: FASTENERS

while a hook can be used to hold things together, it's primarily a type of fastener, not a way to compact shapes

CLIP

Seems like it belongs to: MARK AS COMPLETED

Actually belongs to: FASTENERS

although a clip can be used to hold things together, it's primarily a type of fastener, not a way to mark completion

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “HOOK” didn't go with CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE

Seems like: CRUSH INTO A COMPACT SHAPE → Actually: FASTENERS

while a hook can be used to hold things together, it's primarily a type of fastener, not a way to compact shapes

Why “CLIP” didn't go with MARK AS COMPLETED

Seems like: MARK AS COMPLETED → Actually: FASTENERS

although a clip can be used to hold things together, it's primarily a type of fastener, not a way to mark completion

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