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Connections Hints for April 28, 2025 #686

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for April 28, 2025 #686

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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 — April 28, 2025

Green Category — April 28, 2025

Blue Category — April 28, 2025

Purple Category — April 28, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — HAIR PRODUCTS

Why is “MOUSSE” in the Yellow group?

a lightweight, airy hair styling product

Blue group — CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

Why is “TIRE MARK” in the Blue group?

a track or impression left by a vehicle's tire

Word definitions

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

SPARE
Definition: to save or keep for future use
Why it's tricky: can also mean 'to hold back' or 'to be frugal'
TIRE
Definition: to become weary or exhausted
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a vehicle's wheel covering
HAIR
Definition: a thread or filament, especially from the human head
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small distance or a fine line
FIBER
Definition: a thread or filament, especially from plants
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of dietary nutrient

Connections #686 explained

Why these words connect (April 28, 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: HAIR PRODUCTS

These are all types of products used to style or care for hair, including gels, mousses, and sprays.

Green group: AUSTERE

These are all words that describe something as plain, simple, or unadorned, often in a way that is intentionally restrained or minimalist.

Blue group: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

These are all types of evidence that investigators might look for at a crime scene, including physical traces like fibers, fingerprints, and hair.

Purple group: WEARY

These are all words that describe a state of being tired, exhausted, or drained, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.

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.

SPRAY

Seems like it belongs to: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

Actually belongs to: HAIR PRODUCTS

while spray can be used in crime scene investigation, in this context it refers to a hair product

HAIR

Seems like it belongs to: HAIR PRODUCTS

Actually belongs to: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

while hair can be a hair product, in this context it refers to a clue at a crime scene

TIRE

Seems like it belongs to: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

Actually belongs to: WEARY

while tire can be related to crime scenes, in this context it means to become weary or exhausted

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “SPRAY” didn't go with CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

Seems like: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE → Actually: HAIR PRODUCTS

while spray can be used in crime scene investigation, in this context it refers to a hair product

Why “HAIR” didn't go with HAIR PRODUCTS

Seems like: HAIR PRODUCTS → Actually: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

while hair can be a hair product, in this context it refers to a clue at a crime scene

Why “TIRE” didn't go with CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE

Seems like: CLUES AT A CRIME SCENE → Actually: WEARY

while tire can be related to crime scenes, in this context it means to become weary or exhausted

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