Blue group — THROW
Why is “PELT” in the Blue group?
a skin or hide, especially of a small animal
Connections Hints for January 17, 2026 #950
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Yellow Category — January 17, 2026
Green Category — January 17, 2026
Blue Category — January 17, 2026
Purple Category — January 17, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Green group — ANAGRAMS
Why is “KINS” in the Green group?
relatives or family members
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (January 17, 2026)
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.
- CAST
- Definition: to throw or direct something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a group of actors
- COVER
- Definition: to spread or lay something over
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a book or magazine cover
- SKIN
- Definition: the outer layer of the body
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a animal hide
- SLING
- Definition: to throw or hurl something
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of baby carrier
Connections #950 explained
Why these words connect (January 17, 2026)
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: SPREAD OVER
These words all describe things that are spread or laid over something else, such as a blanket or a coat of paint. They are all related to the idea of covering or enveloping something.
Green group: THROW
These words all describe actions of throwing or propelling something, such as a ball or a stone. They are all related to the idea of using force to move something through the air.
Blue group: ANAGRAMS
These words are all anagrams of each other, meaning they contain the same letters in a different order. They are all related to the idea of rearranging letters to form new words.
Purple group: FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES
These words are all the first words of popular children's games, such as 'Simon Says' or 'Hide and Seek'. They are all related to the idea of games and play.
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.
“COAT”
Seems like it belongs to: THROW
Actually belongs to: SPREAD OVER
COAT seems like it could be something thrown, but it's actually something spread over the body
“HIDE”
Seems like it belongs to: SPREAD OVER
Actually belongs to: FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES
HIDE seems like it could be something spread over, but it's actually a game where players conceal themselves
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “COAT” didn't go with THROW
Seems like: THROW → Actually: SPREAD OVER
COAT seems like it could be something thrown, but it's actually something spread over the body
Why “HIDE” didn't go with SPREAD OVER
Seems like: SPREAD OVER → Actually: FIRST WORDS OF KIDS' GAMES
HIDE seems like it could be something spread over, but it's actually a game where players conceal themselves