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Connections Hints for January 12, 2025 #580

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 12, 2025 #580

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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 — January 12, 2025

Green Category — January 12, 2025

Blue Category — January 12, 2025

Purple Category — January 12, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — CLASSIC ATARI GAMES

Why is “CENTIPEDE” in the Blue group?

a classic Atari arcade game where the player must shoot centipedes

Green group — THINGS FEATURING TAILS

Why is “SONIC THE HEDGEHOG” in the Green group?

a video game character known for his speed and blue spikes

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 12, 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.

CHARM
Definition: to attract or delight someone
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a magical spell
COURT
Definition: to try to win someone's love or favor
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a legal court or a royal court
PURSUE
Definition: to follow or chase someone
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a legal or professional pursuit
TAIL
Definition: the back part of an animal or object
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the tail of a coin or a dress

Connections #580 explained

Why these words connect (January 12, 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: FABRICATION

These are all words related to making something up or creating a fictional story. They are all connected by their association with imagination and creativity.

Green group: WOO

These are all words related to romance or trying to win someone's love. They are all connected by their association with courtship and attraction.

Blue group: CLASSIC ATARI GAMES

These are all classic Atari arcade games that were popular in the 1980s. They are all connected by their association with the Atari brand and their release during this time period.

Purple group: THINGS FEATURING TAILS

These are all things that have a tail or a back part. They are all connected by their association with this physical characteristic.

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.

CHARM

Seems like it belongs to: FABRICATION

Actually belongs to: WOO

CHARM seems like it could fit with FABRICATION, but it actually belongs to WOO because it can mean to attract or delight someone.

COURT

Seems like it belongs to: FABRICATION

Actually belongs to: WOO

COURT seems like it could fit with FABRICATION, but it actually belongs to WOO because it can mean to try to win someone's love or favor.

DEFENDER

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS FEATURING TAILS

Actually belongs to: CLASSIC ATARI GAMES

DEFENDER seems like it could fit with THINGS FEATURING TAILS, but it actually belongs to CLASSIC ATARI GAMES because it is a classic Atari arcade game.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “CHARM” didn't go with FABRICATION

Seems like: FABRICATION → Actually: WOO

CHARM seems like it could fit with FABRICATION, but it actually belongs to WOO because it can mean to attract or delight someone.

Why “COURT” didn't go with FABRICATION

Seems like: FABRICATION → Actually: WOO

COURT seems like it could fit with FABRICATION, but it actually belongs to WOO because it can mean to try to win someone's love or favor.

Why “DEFENDER” didn't go with THINGS FEATURING TAILS

Seems like: THINGS FEATURING TAILS → Actually: CLASSIC ATARI GAMES

DEFENDER seems like it could fit with THINGS FEATURING TAILS, but it actually belongs to CLASSIC ATARI GAMES because it is a classic Atari arcade game.

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