Green group — SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Why is “Thistle” in the Green group?
The 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
▼Green group — SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Why is “Tartan” in the Green group?
A specific type of plaid pattern originating from Scotland
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.
- Coral
- Definition: A marine invertebrate animal
- Why it's tricky: Often associated with calcium, but also a color
- Beam
- Definition: A structural element or a type of radiation
- Why it's tricky: Has multiple meanings, including a balance beam or a laser beam
- Scottie
- Definition: A breed of dog, or a colloquial term for a Scottish person
- Why it's tricky: Could refer to the dog breed or a person from Scotland
- Shaw
- Definition: A surname of famous playwright George Bernard Shaw
- Why it's tricky: Could be confused with other notable individuals or words
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 words are all connected to structures that contain calcium, such as bones, shells, and teeth, which are all composed of calcium compounds.
Green group: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
These words are all symbols of Scotland, including the bagpipes, a traditional Scottish instrument, and the thistle, the national emblem.
Blue group: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
These words are all surnames of famous playwrights, including Anton Chekhov, known for his realistic plays, and George Bernard Shaw, known for his witty comedies.
Purple group: ___ BEAM
These words are all connected to the concept of a beam, including a balance beam, a laser beam, and a tractor beam, which is a fictional concept.
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.
“Coral”
Seems like it belongs to: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Actually belongs to: None, but could fit in CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES due to its calcium carbonate composition
Coral is a marine invertebrate, but its association with calcium might lead to confusion
“Shaw”
Seems like it belongs to: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Actually belongs to: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, not directly related to Scotland
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “Coral” didn't go with CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Seems like: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES → Actually: None, but could fit in CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES due to its calcium carbonate composition
Coral is a marine invertebrate, but its association with calcium might lead to confusion
Why “Shaw” didn't go with SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Seems like: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND → Actually: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
George Bernard Shaw was an Irish playwright, not directly related to Scotland