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
▼Blue group — FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Why is “Chekhov” in the Blue group?
A Russian playwright, 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.
- 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 be mistaken for a surname or a nationality
- Tartan
- Definition: A specific type of plaid pattern, traditionally associated with Scotland
- Why it's tricky: Could be mistaken for a general term for plaid
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 composed of calcium, found in nature or the human body. They are all connected by their composition and function.
Green group: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
These are all symbols of Scotland, representing the country's culture and heritage. They are all connected by their association with Scotland.
Blue group: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
These are all famous playwrights, known for their works in the theatre. They are all connected by their profession and contributions to literature.
Purple group: ___ BEAM
These are all words that can be followed by 'beam', forming a phrase or term. They are all connected by their grammatical relationship.
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.
“Shaw”
Seems like it belongs to: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Actually belongs to: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
George Bernard Shaw was a playwright, not a symbol of Scotland, although he did have Scottish heritage
“Coral”
Seems like it belongs to: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Actually belongs to: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Coral is a marine invertebrate, not a playwright, despite the name resembling 'Chekhov'
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “Shaw” didn't go with SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND
Seems like: SYMBOLS OF SCOTLAND → Actually: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
George Bernard Shaw was a playwright, not a symbol of Scotland, although he did have Scottish heritage
Why “Coral” didn't go with FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS
Seems like: FAMOUS PLAYWRIGHTS → Actually: CALCIUM-BASED STRUCTURES
Coral is a marine invertebrate, not a playwright, despite the name resembling 'Chekhov'