Blue group — ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES
Why is “BROCCOLI RABE” in the Blue group?
a type of vegetable, also known as rapini, with a strong flavor
Connections Hints for March 23, 2026 #1015
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 23, 2026 #1015
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Yellow Category — March 23, 2026
Green Category — March 23, 2026
Blue Category — March 23, 2026
Purple Category — March 23, 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 — GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS
Why is “SLICED BREAD” in the Green group?
a common food item, but also the name of a 1928 invention that revolutionized food preparation
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (March 23, 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.
- VIRGO
- Definition: a constellation or astrological sign
- Why it's tricky: multiple meanings, including a zodiac sign and a term for something pure
- STAND-UP
- Definition: a type of comedy performance
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to something that is upright or a person of good character
- MARY
- Definition: the mother of Jesus, also known as the Virgin Mary
- Why it's tricky: multiple famous people and concepts share this name
- MOCKTAIL
- Definition: a non-alcoholic cocktail
- Why it's tricky: similar-sounding to cocktail, but with a different meaning
Connections #1015 explained
Why these words connect (March 23, 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: PRINCIPLED
These words all describe characteristics of a person with a strong sense of morality, including being decent, honest, and having a strong moral compass.
Green group: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS
These inventions all had a significant impact on society, including the light bulb, which revolutionized the way people live and work, and the printing press, which enabled mass communication.
Blue group: "VIRGIN" THINGS
These words all reference the concept of purity or virginity, including the Virgin Mary, virgin olive oil, and the astrological sign Virgo.
Purple group: ENDING IN NICKNAME HOMOPHONES
These words all end with nickname homophones, including brain stew, which sounds like 'brain' and 'braine', and broccoli rabe, which sounds like 'brocc' and 'bro'.
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.
“OLIVE OIL”
Seems like it belongs to: PRINCIPLED
Actually belongs to: "VIRGIN" THINGS
while olive oil can be associated with moral or principled living, it actually belongs to the 'VIRGIN' group due to its name
“LIGHT BULB”
Seems like it belongs to: PRINCIPLED
Actually belongs to: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS
a light bulb moment can be a moral or principled realization, but the term also refers to a physical invention
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “OLIVE OIL” didn't go with PRINCIPLED
Seems like: PRINCIPLED → Actually: "VIRGIN" THINGS
while olive oil can be associated with moral or principled living, it actually belongs to the 'VIRGIN' group due to its name
Why “LIGHT BULB” didn't go with PRINCIPLED
Seems like: PRINCIPLED → Actually: GAME-CHANGING INVENTIONS
a light bulb moment can be a moral or principled realization, but the term also refers to a physical invention