Yellow group — SMALL-TIME
Why is “RINKY-DINK” in the Yellow group?
something small or insignificant, often used to describe something of little importance
Connections Hints for November 25, 2025 #897
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Yellow Category — November 25, 2025
Green Category — November 25, 2025
Blue Category — November 25, 2025
Purple Category — November 25, 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 ARE PINK
Why is “CALAMINE” in the Green group?
a type of lotion used to treat skin irritations, often pink in color
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (November 25, 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.
- RINKY-DINK
- Definition: something small or insignificant
- Why it's tricky: uncommon slang term
- TWO-BIT
- Definition: something small or cheap
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a type of horse
- GLAD-HAND
- Definition: to greet or treat someone with insincere friendliness
- Why it's tricky: uncommon phrase with multiple possible interpretations
- MERRY-GO-ROUND
- Definition: a type of amusement park ride
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a situation that is chaotic or confusing
Connections #897 explained
Why these words connect (November 25, 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: SMALL-TIME
These words all describe things that are small or insignificant, often used to convey a sense of unimportance or lack of seriousness. They are connected by their connotation of being minor or trivial.
Green group: THINGS THAT ARE PINK
These words all describe things that are typically associated with the color pink, often due to their natural color or cultural associations. They are connected by their visual or symbolic connection to the color pink.
Blue group: THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH
These words all describe things that can be physically scratched or itched, often due to their surface texture or sensitivity. They are connected by their tactile or sensory connection to scratching.
Purple group: STARTING WITH OPTIMISTIC WORDS
These words all start with optimistic or positive words, often conveying a sense of happiness or joy. They are connected by their linguistic or semantic connection to positive emotions.
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.
“BUG BITE”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS THAT ARE PINK
Actually belongs to: THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH
while bug bites can cause redness, they are not typically pink, and the word is more closely related to scratching
“CHERRY BLOSSOM”
Seems like it belongs to: THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH
Actually belongs to: THINGS THAT ARE PINK
while cherry blossoms can be associated with scratching due to tree-related allergies, they are more closely related to the color pink
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BUG BITE” didn't go with THINGS THAT ARE PINK
Seems like: THINGS THAT ARE PINK → Actually: THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH
while bug bites can cause redness, they are not typically pink, and the word is more closely related to scratching
Why “CHERRY BLOSSOM” didn't go with THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH
Seems like: THINGS YOU CAN SCRATCH → Actually: THINGS THAT ARE PINK
while cherry blossoms can be associated with scratching due to tree-related allergies, they are more closely related to the color pink