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Connections Hints for October 13, 2025 #854

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for October 13, 2025 #854

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Yellow Category — October 13, 2025

Green Category — October 13, 2025

Blue Category — October 13, 2025

Purple Category — October 13, 2025

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Purple group — METAPHORS FOR POTENTIALLY VOLATILE SITUATIONS

Why is “PANDORA'S BOX” in the Purple group?

a metaphor for a source of great trouble or evil

Blue group — ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

Why is “GOLDEN FLEECE” in the Blue group?

a mythological treasure that is also a synonym for swindle

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (October 13, 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.

HUSTLE
Definition: a swindle or confidence trick
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a busy or energetic activity
CON
Definition: a swindle or confidence trick
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a convention or conference
STIFF
Definition: a person who has been swindled
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a person who is formal or rigid
FLEECE
Definition: to swindle or cheat someone
Why it's tricky: can also refer to the woolly coat of a sheep

Connections #854 explained

Why these words connect (October 13, 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: METAPHORS FOR POTENTIALLY VOLATILE SITUATIONS

these phrases are all metaphors for situations that are potentially volatile or explosive, often used to describe complex or sensitive issues

Green group: BAR EVENTS

these events are all commonly found at bars or pubs, and are often used to attract customers or create a lively atmosphere

Blue group: WORDS AFTER A WELCOME DEPARTURE

these phrases are all used to express relief or satisfaction when someone or something leaves, often in a humorous or ironic way

Purple group: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

these phrases all end with words that are synonyms for 'swindle' or 'cheat', often used to describe confidence tricks or scams

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.

LUCKY

Seems like it belongs to: BAR EVENTS

Actually belongs to: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

the word 'lucky' might seem like it belongs to BAR EVENTS, but it's actually part of the title 'LUCKY STIFF', which is a synonym for swindle

COMIC

Seems like it belongs to: BAR EVENTS

Actually belongs to: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

the word 'comic' might seem like it belongs to BAR EVENTS, but it's actually part of the title 'COMIC CON', which is a synonym for swindle

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LUCKY” didn't go with BAR EVENTS

Seems like: BAR EVENTS → Actually: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

the word 'lucky' might seem like it belongs to BAR EVENTS, but it's actually part of the title 'LUCKY STIFF', which is a synonym for swindle

Why “COMIC” didn't go with BAR EVENTS

Seems like: BAR EVENTS → Actually: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "SWINDLE"

the word 'comic' might seem like it belongs to BAR EVENTS, but it's actually part of the title 'COMIC CON', which is a synonym for swindle

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