Green group — SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Why is “THISTLE” in the Green group?
National emblem of Scotland, a prickly flower
Connections Hints for February 24, 2026 #988
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Yellow Category — February 24, 2026
Green Category — February 24, 2026
Blue Category — February 24, 2026
Purple Category — February 24, 2026
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle
Tricky Words in Today's Connections
▼Blue group — FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Why is “CHEKHOV” in the Blue group?
Russian playwright and author, known for works like 'The Cherry Orchard'
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (February 24, 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.
- BONES
- Definition: Structural components of the body
- Why it's tricky: Could be related to skeletal remains or anatomical structures
- SCOTTIE
- Definition: Breed of dog originating from Scotland
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for a personal name or a type of clothing
- LASER
- Definition: Type of beam used in various applications
- Why it's tricky: Could be related to a type of light or a medical treatment
- TARTAN
- Definition: Traditional Scottish pattern of plaid design
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for a type of fabric or a color scheme
Connections #988 explained
Why these words connect (February 24, 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: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
These are all structures that are composed of or contain calcium, including bones, coral, shells, and teeth, which are all important for various biological functions
Green group: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
These are all symbols that are closely tied to Scotland, including bagpipes, Scottie dogs, tartan patterns, and thistles, which are all important parts of Scottish culture and heritage
Blue group: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
These are all famous playwrights, including Chekhov, Coward, Miller, and Shaw, who are all known for their influential works in the world of theater
Purple group: ___ BEAM
These are all words that can be followed by the word 'beam', including balance, Jim, laser, and tractor, which are all types of beams used in different contexts
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.
“BALANCE”
Seems like it belongs to: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Actually belongs to: ___ BEAM
The word 'balance' might seem related to structures, but it's actually a type of beam used in gymnastics or weighing
“JIM”
Seems like it belongs to: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Actually belongs to: ___ BEAM
The name 'Jim' might seem like a playwright, but it's actually a type of beam, as in 'Jim Beam' whiskey
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “BALANCE” didn't go with CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Seems like: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES → Actually: ___ BEAM
The word 'balance' might seem related to structures, but it's actually a type of beam used in gymnastics or weighing
Why “JIM” didn't go with FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Seems like: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS → Actually: ___ BEAM
The name 'Jim' might seem like a playwright, but it's actually a type of beam, as in 'Jim Beam' whiskey