Yellow group — BITS OF HARDWARE
Why is “Washer” in the Yellow group?
a small, flat, ring-shaped piece of material used to reduce friction
Connections Hints for March 5, 2026 #997
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for March 5, 2026 #997
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Yellow Category — March 5, 2026
Green Category — March 5, 2026
Blue Category — March 5, 2026
Purple Category — March 5, 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 — GO BACK AND FORTH
Why is “Seesaw” in the Green group?
a long, narrow board or plank balanced on a fulcrum, used for play
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (March 5, 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.
- Bolt
- Definition: a type of hardware
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a sudden movement
- Sandbox
- Definition: a place for testing ideas
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a children's play area
- Sub
- Definition: short for submarine or substitute
- Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings and uses
- Toggle
- Definition: to switch between two states
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a type of fastener
Connections #997 explained
Why these words connect (March 5, 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: BITS OF HARDWARE
These are all types of hardware used for construction or repair, including bolts, nuts, and screws.
Green group: PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED
These are all places where ideas are developed and tested, including incubators, labs, and sandboxes.
Blue group: GO BACK AND FORTH
These are all actions that involve going back and forth, including alternating, seesawing, and switching.
Purple group: WHAT "SUB" MIGHT REFER TO
These are all possible meanings of the prefix 'sub', including below, hero, replacement, and submarine.
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.
“Test”
Seems like it belongs to: PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED
Actually belongs to: BITS OF HARDWARE
while 'test' can relate to development, in this context it's more closely related to hardware
“Switch”
Seems like it belongs to: BITS OF HARDWARE
Actually belongs to: GO BACK AND FORTH
while 'switch' can refer to a hardware component, in this context it's more closely related to changing between states
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “Test” didn't go with PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED
Seems like: PLACES WHERE IDEAS ARE DEVELOPED → Actually: BITS OF HARDWARE
while 'test' can relate to development, in this context it's more closely related to hardware
Why “Switch” didn't go with BITS OF HARDWARE
Seems like: BITS OF HARDWARE → Actually: GO BACK AND FORTH
while 'switch' can refer to a hardware component, in this context it's more closely related to changing between states