Green group — CRAM
Why is “SHOEHORN” in the Green group?
a device used to help put on tight-fitting shoes
Connections Hints for September 17, 2025 #828
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Yellow Category — September 17, 2025
Green Category — September 17, 2025
Blue Category — September 17, 2025
Purple Category — September 17, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Yellow group — THEY'RE BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
Why is “VANE” in the Yellow group?
a flat or curved piece of metal or wood attached to a rotating axis, used to show direction
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (September 17, 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.
- VANE
- Definition: a flat or curved piece of metal or wood attached to a rotating axis, used to show direction
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a type of fan or a weather vane
- WEDGE
- Definition: a piece of wood or other material used to fill a gap or split something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of shoe or a golf club
- PINWHEEL
- Definition: a toy consisting of a wheel with vanes, rotated by the wind
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of firework or a decorative motif
- RENEGE
- Definition: to go back on a promise or commitment
- Why it's tricky: less common word with multiple synonyms
Connections #828 explained
Why these words connect (September 17, 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: THEY'RE BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
These words are all related to objects or concepts that are influenced by the wind, such as flags, pinwheels, and wind chimes. They are all things that can be blown by the wind, either literally or figuratively.
Green group: CHANGE ONE’S TUNE
These phrases are all idiomatic expressions that mean to change one's mind, opinion, or behavior, often in a sudden or unexpected way. They are all related to the idea of reversing or altering one's course.
Blue group: CRAM
These words are all related to the idea of forcing or squeezing something into a small or tight space, often in a way that is awkward or uncomfortable. They are all verbs that convey the idea of compression or confinement.
Purple group: LAST WORDS IN LONG-RUNNING CHILDREN’S SHOW TITLES
These words are all the final word in the title of a long-running children's television show, such as 'Sesame Street' or 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood'. They are all nouns that are part of a larger title.
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.
“STREET”
Seems like it belongs to: CRAM
Actually belongs to: LAST WORDS IN LONG-RUNNING CHILDREN’S SHOW TITLES
while 'street' can refer to a crowded or busy area, it's actually the last word in the title of the children's show 'Sesame Street'
“WIND CHIME”
Seems like it belongs to: CHANGE ONE’S TUNE
Actually belongs to: THEY'RE BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
while 'wind chime' can evoke the idea of changing musical tones, it's actually a type of object that makes sound in the wind
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “STREET” didn't go with CRAM
Seems like: CRAM → Actually: LAST WORDS IN LONG-RUNNING CHILDREN’S SHOW TITLES
while 'street' can refer to a crowded or busy area, it's actually the last word in the title of the children's show 'Sesame Street'
Why “WIND CHIME” didn't go with CHANGE ONE’S TUNE
Seems like: CHANGE ONE’S TUNE → Actually: THEY'RE BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
while 'wind chime' can evoke the idea of changing musical tones, it's actually a type of object that makes sound in the wind