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Connections Hints for September 19, 2025 #830

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 19, 2025 #830

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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 — September 19, 2025

Green Category — September 19, 2025

Blue Category — September 19, 2025

Purple Category — September 19, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY

Why is “MASCARA” in the Blue group?

a cosmetic used to darken or thicken eyelashes, which can run or smudge

Blue group — THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY

Why is “STOCKINGS” in the Blue group?

close-fitting garments for the legs, which can run or ladder

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (September 19, 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.

RUN
Definition: to flow or spread, often in an uncontrolled manner
Why it's tricky: can also refer to physical movement or operation
PAPER
Definition: a material made from processed plant fibers
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a written document or a newspaper
CLIP
Definition: a device for holding or fastening things
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a segment of film or video
TRAIL
Definition: a path or track, often through a wilderness area
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a series of events or a sequence of clues

Connections #830 explained

Why these words connect (September 19, 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: EVALUATE

These words are all related to judging or measuring the value of something, often in a numerical or hierarchical sense, such as grading a student's work or ranking a sports team.

Green group: EXHIBIT NERVOUSNESS

These words all describe physical or behavioral manifestations of nervousness, such as blushing or fidgeting, which can be indicative of emotional distress or apprehension.

Blue group: THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY

These words all describe things that can flow or spread in an uncontrolled or unwanted manner, such as dye running from fabric or mascara smudging on the skin.

Purple group: PAPER ___

These words all complete a common phrase or describe an object related to paper, such as a paper clip or a paper towel.

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.

PACE

Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY

Actually belongs to: EXHIBIT NERVOUSNESS

while pace can refer to a steady gait, in this context it means to walk anxiously back and forth

SCORE

Seems like it belongs to: PAPER ___

Actually belongs to: EVALUATE

while a score can be written on paper, in this context it refers to a numerical value or rating

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “PACE” didn't go with THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY

Seems like: THINGS THAT CAN RUN, ANNOYINGLY → Actually: EXHIBIT NERVOUSNESS

while pace can refer to a steady gait, in this context it means to walk anxiously back and forth

Why “SCORE” didn't go with PAPER ___

Seems like: PAPER ___ → Actually: EVALUATE

while a score can be written on paper, in this context it refers to a numerical value or rating

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