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Connections Hints for January 21, 2025 #589

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 21, 2025 #589

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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 21, 2025

Green Category — January 21, 2025

Blue Category — January 21, 2025

Purple Category — January 21, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — DOCTORS IN POP CULTURE

Why is “OCTOPUS” in the Purple group?

A Spider-Man villain, also known as Doctor Octopus

Green group — SMALL LIKENESS

Why is “MINIATURE” in the Green group?

A small replica or model of something

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (January 21, 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.

NO
Definition: Doctor No, a James Bond villain
Why it's tricky: Common negative word with multiple meanings
OCTOPUS
Definition: Doctor Octopus, a Spider-Man villain
Why it's tricky: Animal name with a pop culture reference
PEPPER
Definition: Doctor Pepper, a soft drink, and also a reference to Doctor Pepper from Star Trek
Why it's tricky: Common word with multiple meanings and references
WHO
Definition: Doctor Who, a British sci-fi TV series
Why it's tricky: Common question word with a specific pop culture reference

Connections #589 explained

Why these words connect (January 21, 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: PUTDOWN

These words are all types of insults or put-downs, often used to criticize or mock someone

Green group: SMALL LIKENESS

These words all describe small replicas or models of something, often used for decorative or educational purposes

Blue group: USED TO CLEAR SNOW

These words all describe tools or methods used to clear snow, often used for winter maintenance

Purple group: DOCTORS IN POP CULTURE

These words all describe doctors from popular culture, including TV shows, movies, and comics

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.

SALT

Seems like it belongs to: PUTDOWN

Actually belongs to: USED TO CLEAR SNOW

Salt can be used to clear snow, but it can also be a type of insult, making it a tricky word

MODEL

Seems like it belongs to: USED TO CLEAR SNOW

Actually belongs to: SMALL LIKENESS

A model can be a small replica, but it can also refer to a person who models clothing, making it a misleading word

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “SALT” didn't go with PUTDOWN

Seems like: PUTDOWN → Actually: USED TO CLEAR SNOW

Salt can be used to clear snow, but it can also be a type of insult, making it a tricky word

Why “MODEL” didn't go with USED TO CLEAR SNOW

Seems like: USED TO CLEAR SNOW → Actually: SMALL LIKENESS

A model can be a small replica, but it can also refer to a person who models clothing, making it a misleading word

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