Enjoying our puzzle hints?

Support independent coverage of NYT games and keep the hints flowing.

Buy me a coffee

Connections Hints for March 31, 2026 #1023

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 31, 2026 #1023

Want to see NYT Connections hints? Below you'll find complete solutions and explanations. Want to try solving it yourself first? Visit the NYT Connections game 2026-03-31. Looking for today's NYT Connections hint? Head to our home page or play today's connection game here.

Navigation tip: Use the arrows below to browse through past puzzles. Each puzzle is organized from easiest (yellow) to hardest (purple) categories.

Yellow Category — March 31, 2026

Green Category — March 31, 2026

Blue Category — March 31, 2026

Purple Category — March 31, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Blue group — PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP

Why is “CROW'S NEST” in the Blue group?

a raised platform on a ship's mast, used for lookout

Blue group — PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP

Why is “JOLLY ROGER” in the Blue group?

a pirate flag, typically featuring a skull and crossbones

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (March 31, 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.

PLANK
Definition: a flat, narrow, wooden board
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a pose in exercise or a political platform
CROW'S NEST
Definition: a raised platform on a ship's mast
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a bird's nest or a lookout point
KIT KAT
Definition: a type of candy bar or a baby rabbit
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings and can be misleading
CALF RAISE
Definition: an exercise for the lower leg or a baby cow
Why it's tricky: has multiple meanings and can be misleading

Connections #1023 explained

Why these words connect (March 31, 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: SHORTAGE

These words all describe a state of being without something, often used in financial or economic contexts.

Green group: PARTS OF A PIRATE SHIP

These words are all parts of a pirate ship, often featured in nautical or historical contexts, such as the crow's nest or the jolly roger flag.

Blue group: KINDS OF BRAS

These words are all types of bras, often used in fashion or lingerie contexts, such as plunge or push-up bras.

Purple group: STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS

These words all start with the name of a baby animal, often used in cute or playful contexts, such as calf or chick.

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.

PLUNGE

Seems like it belongs to: SHORTAGE

Actually belongs to: KINDS OF BRAS

can refer to a type of bra, but also a decrease or shortage

KIT KAT

Seems like it belongs to: KINDS OF BRAS

Actually belongs to: STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS

is a type of candy bar, but also a baby rabbit

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.

Why “PLUNGE” didn't go with SHORTAGE

Seems like: SHORTAGE → Actually: KINDS OF BRAS

can refer to a type of bra, but also a decrease or shortage

Why “KIT KAT” didn't go with KINDS OF BRAS

Seems like: KINDS OF BRAS → Actually: STARTING WITH BABY ANIMALS

is a type of candy bar, but also a baby rabbit

Browse by Date

2026

April

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1234