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Connections Hints for January 20, 2025 #588

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 20, 2025 #588

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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 20, 2025

Green Category — January 20, 2025

Blue Category — January 20, 2025

Purple Category — January 20, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Green group — CORNERS

Why is “CROOK” in the Green group?

a bend or curve, like an elbow in a pipe

Blue group — ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

Why is “FOREARM” in the Blue group?

the part of the arm between the elbow and wrist

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 20, 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.

ELBOW
Definition: a joint in the arm
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sharp turn or a type of pipe fitting
PIPE
Definition: a smoking pipe, like Popeye's
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a tube for conveying fluids
HANDLE
Definition: to take care of or manage
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a part of an object used for grasping
CROOK
Definition: a bend or curve
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a dishonest person

Connections #588 explained

Why these words connect (January 20, 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: TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

These words all describe ways of taking on or accepting a responsibility, like shouldering a burden or bearing the weight of a task.

Green group: CORNERS

These words all describe types of corners or bends, like an elbow in a pipe or a crook in a road.

Blue group: ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

These words are all associated with the character Popeye, like his iconic anchor tattoo or his love of spinach.

Purple group: ___ SHEET

These words all describe types of sheets, like a balance sheet or a cookie sheet.

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.

PIPE

Seems like it belongs to: CORNERS

Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

while a pipe can have an elbow, the word 'pipe' is more closely associated with Popeye's iconic smoking pipe

HANDLE

Seems like it belongs to: CORNERS

Actually belongs to: TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

while a handle can be a part of an object with a corner, the word 'handle' is more closely associated with taking care of or managing something

ELBOW

Seems like it belongs to: TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

Actually belongs to: CORNERS

while an elbow can be a joint that bears weight, the word 'elbow' is more closely associated with a type of corner or bend

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “PIPE” didn't go with CORNERS

Seems like: CORNERS → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH POPEYE

while a pipe can have an elbow, the word 'pipe' is more closely associated with Popeye's iconic smoking pipe

Why “HANDLE” didn't go with CORNERS

Seems like: CORNERS → Actually: TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

while a handle can be a part of an object with a corner, the word 'handle' is more closely associated with taking care of or managing something

Why “ELBOW” didn't go with TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY

Seems like: TAKE ON, AS A RESPONSIBILITY → Actually: CORNERS

while an elbow can be a joint that bears weight, the word 'elbow' is more closely associated with a type of corner or bend

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