Blue group — ORIGINAL MONOPOLY TOKENS
Why is “THIMBLE” in the Blue group?
A small cup-shaped container used to protect the end of a finger while sewing
Connections Hints for February 20, 2026 #984
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for February 20, 2026 #984
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Yellow Category — February 20, 2026
Green Category — February 20, 2026
Blue Category — February 20, 2026
Purple Category — February 20, 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 — ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON
Why is “WEREWOLF” in the Green group?
A mythical creature that is said to transform into a wolf-like creature during a full moon
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 20, 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.
- ECLIPSE
- Definition: A rare astronomical event where the moon passes between the Earth and the sun
- Why it's tricky: It can also refer to a solar eclipse, which might confuse solvers
- TIDE
- Definition: The periodic rising and falling of the sea level caused by the moon's gravitational pull
- Why it's tricky: It can also refer to a current or a trend, which might mislead solvers
- JACK
- Definition: A term with multiple meanings, including a playing card, a socket, or a type of cheese
- Why it's tricky: Its multiple meanings can confuse solvers and make it hard to determine the correct category
- CHEESE
- Definition: A type of food, but also a term associated with the moon in the phrase 'green cheese'
- Why it's tricky: The phrase 'green cheese' is an idiomatic expression that might mislead solvers into thinking it's a type of cheese
Connections #984 explained
Why these words connect (February 20, 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: QUICK FIX
These words all refer to solutions or fixes that are easy, magical, or seemingly perfect. They are all related to the idea of finding a simple or effortless way to solve a problem.
Green group: ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON
These words are all associated with the moon, whether it's through astronomy, mythology, or idiomatic expressions. They all have a connection to the moon that might not be immediately apparent.
Blue group: ORIGINAL MONOPOLY TOKENS
These words are all original tokens from the classic board game Monopoly. They are all related to the game and its iconic pieces.
Purple group: WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO
These words are all possible meanings or references to the word 'jack'. They are all related to the idea that a single word can have multiple meanings or associations.
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.
“GREEN CHEESE”
Seems like it belongs to: WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO
Actually belongs to: ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON
The phrase 'green cheese' is an idiomatic expression associated with the moon, but it might seem like it belongs to the 'WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO' category due to the word 'cheese'
“TOP HAT”
Seems like it belongs to: WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO
Actually belongs to: ORIGINAL MONOPOLY TOKENS
A top hat is a type of hat, but it's also a Monopoly token, which might confuse solvers into thinking it belongs to the 'WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO' category
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “GREEN CHEESE” didn't go with WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO
Seems like: WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO → Actually: ASSOCIATED WITH THE MOON
The phrase 'green cheese' is an idiomatic expression associated with the moon, but it might seem like it belongs to the 'WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO' category due to the word 'cheese'
Why “TOP HAT” didn't go with WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO
Seems like: WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO → Actually: ORIGINAL MONOPOLY TOKENS
A top hat is a type of hat, but it's also a Monopoly token, which might confuse solvers into thinking it belongs to the 'WHAT "JACK" MIGHT REFER TO' category