Green group — STARTING WITH BODIES OF WATER
Why is “BAY LEAF” in the Green group?
a leaf from the bay tree, often used in cooking
Connections Hints for December 31, 2025 #933
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Yellow Category — December 31, 2025
Green Category — December 31, 2025
Blue Category — December 31, 2025
Purple Category — December 31, 2025
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
Why is “COUCH CUSHIONS” in the Blue group?
the cushions on a couch, where small items often get lost
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (December 31, 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.
- BAY
- Definition: a body of water
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a tree or a scent
- CHANNEL
- Definition: a body of water or a means of communication
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings, including a TV station or a waterway
- ROCKY
- Definition: associated with Philadelphia, referring to the film or the boxer
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something unstable or unsteady
- SOUND
- Definition: related to a body of water, such as a sound barrier or a sound wave
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a noise or a musical concept
Connections #933 explained
Why these words connect (December 31, 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: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
These words are all related to celebrating the start of a new year, often with festivities and countdowns.
Green group: PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
These words all describe places or phenomena where things can disappear, whether it's a mysterious event or a everyday occurrence.
Blue group: ASSOCIATED WITH PHILADELPHIA
These words are all closely associated with Philadelphia, whether it's a famous landmark, a local food, or a cultural reference.
Purple group: STARTING WITH BODIES OF WATER
These words all start with a body of water, such as a bay, sea, or sound, and then describe something related to that body of water.
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.
“ROCKY”
Seems like it belongs to: PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH PHILADELPHIA
while Rocky Balboa did face challenges, the word is more closely associated with Philadelphia, the city where the film is set
“CHANNEL SURF”
Seems like it belongs to: PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH BODIES OF WATER
while channel surfing can lead to getting lost in TV shows, the word is more closely associated with bodies of water, such as a channel
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “ROCKY” didn't go with PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
Seems like: PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH PHILADELPHIA
while Rocky Balboa did face challenges, the word is more closely associated with Philadelphia, the city where the film is set
Why “CHANNEL SURF” didn't go with PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR
Seems like: PLACES WHERE THINGS DISAPPEAR → Actually: STARTING WITH BODIES OF WATER
while channel surfing can lead to getting lost in TV shows, the word is more closely associated with bodies of water, such as a channel