Blue group — SWIG
Why is “SLUG” in the Blue group?
a small amount of liquor, often served in a shot glass
Connections Hints for September 9, 2025 #820
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for September 9, 2025 #820
Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2025-09-09. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.
Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.
Yellow Category — September 9, 2025
Green Category — September 9, 2025
Blue Category — September 9, 2025
Purple Category — September 9, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Purple group — ___DOG
Why is “UNDERDOG” in the Purple group?
a competitor that is at a disadvantage
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (September 9, 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.
- SLUG
- Definition: a small amount of liquor
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of mollusk
- SHOT
- Definition: a serving of liquor
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a photograph or a vaccination
- BELT
- Definition: to drink a shot of liquor quickly
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a strip of leather or a region
- WATCH
- Definition: a type of dog
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a timepiece or to observe
Connections #820 explained
Why these words connect (September 9, 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: FINISHED
These words all describe something that is complete or done, often used to indicate the end of a task or project.
Green group: THINGS WITH SHELLS
These words all describe things that have shells, whether it's a food item, an animal, or a type of candy.
Blue group: SWIG
These words all describe ways to drink liquor, whether it's a shot, a gulp, or a belt.
Purple group: ___DOG
These words all describe types of dogs, whether it's a breed, a role, or a 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.
“EGG”
Seems like it belongs to: FINISHED
Actually belongs to: THINGS WITH SHELLS
Egg can be finished or done, but it's actually a thing with a shell
“SHOT”
Seems like it belongs to: ___DOG
Actually belongs to: SWIG
Shot can be a type of dog, but it's actually a serving of liquor
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “EGG” didn't go with FINISHED
Seems like: FINISHED → Actually: THINGS WITH SHELLS
Egg can be finished or done, but it's actually a thing with a shell
Why “SHOT” didn't go with ___DOG
Seems like: ___DOG → Actually: SWIG
Shot can be a type of dog, but it's actually a serving of liquor