Green group — THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM
Why is “COMPACT” in the Green group?
a small case for holding cosmetics, often opening like a clamshell
Connections Hints for May 21, 2025 #709
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Yellow Category — May 21, 2025
Green Category — May 21, 2025
Blue Category — May 21, 2025
Purple Category — May 21, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM
Why is “WAFFLE IRON” in the Green group?
a kitchen appliance with two hinged parts that open like a clamshell
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (May 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.
- BAR
- Definition: a counter or obstacle
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pub or a unit of pressure
- COMPACT
- Definition: a type of cosmetic case
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that is tightly packed or a car model
- PATCH
- Definition: a small piece of material used for repair
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a small area of land or a software update
- TABLET
- Definition: a small, flat, usually rectangular piece of material
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a computer or a pill
Connections #709 explained
Why these words connect (May 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: PROHIBIT, AS ENTRY
These words all relate to preventing or refusing something, often in a formal or official capacity, such as a bouncer at a BAR or a government official who might DENY a request
Green group: FOLDERS ON A MAC
These words all refer to common folders found on a Mac, such as the DESKTOP or MUSIC folder, where users can store their files and documents
Blue group: MEDICINE FORMATS
These words all refer to different forms that medicine can take, such as a CREAM or a TABLET, each with its own unique characteristics and uses
Purple group: THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM
These words all refer to objects that have two hinged parts that open like a clamshell, such as a CLAM or a COMPACT, often used for containing or holding something
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.
“BAR”
Seems like it belongs to: FOLDERS ON A MAC
Actually belongs to: PROHIBIT, AS ENTRY
BAR could be mistaken for a folder on a Mac, but it actually refers to a barrier or obstacle
“PATCH”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM
Actually belongs to: MEDICINE FORMATS
PATCH could be mistaken for something that opens like a clam, but it actually refers to a small piece of material used for repair or a type of medicine
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BAR” didn't go with FOLDERS ON A MAC
Seems like: FOLDERS ON A MAC → Actually: PROHIBIT, AS ENTRY
BAR could be mistaken for a folder on a Mac, but it actually refers to a barrier or obstacle
Why “PATCH” didn't go with THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM
Seems like: THINGS THAT OPEN LIKE A CLAM → Actually: MEDICINE FORMATS
PATCH could be mistaken for something that opens like a clam, but it actually refers to a small piece of material used for repair or a type of medicine