Yellow group — SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
Why is “TAN” in the Yellow group?
a type of drink, e.g. 'Gin and Tan', also known as a 'Gin and Tonic' variant
Connections Hints for April 17, 2026 #1040
Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for April 17, 2026 #1040
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Yellow Category — April 17, 2026
Green Category — April 17, 2026
Blue Category — April 17, 2026
Purple Category — April 17, 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 — SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
Why is “STORMY” in the Green group?
part of a drink name, e.g. 'Dark 'N' Stormy', a cocktail made with rum and ginger beer
Word definitions
Tricky words in today's Connections (April 17, 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.
- ROOT
- Definition: the underground part of a plant
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to the source or origin of something
- KEY
- Definition: a part of a piano
- Why it's tricky: can also refer to a crucial or important element
- STORMY
- Definition: part of a drink name, e.g. 'Dark 'N' Stormy'
- Why it's tricky: can also describe weather or a tumultuous situation
- TAN
- Definition: part of a drink name, e.g. 'Gin and Tan'
- Why it's tricky: can also describe a skin tone or a type of leather
Connections #1040 explained
Why these words connect (April 17, 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: VEGETABLE PARTS
These are all parts of plants, including the underground root, the stem that grows above ground, the leafy greens, and the bulb that stores energy.
Green group: PREVAILING
These words all describe something that is common, dominant, or widespread, such as a popular trend or a general opinion.
Blue group: PARTS OF A PIANO
These are all parts of a piano, including the hammers that strike the strings, the keys that are played, the pedals that sustain or soften the sound, and the strings that produce the sound.
Purple group: SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
These are all the second halves of drink names, such as 'Gin and Tonic' or 'Rum and Coke', where the first half is a type of liquor and the second half is a mixer or flavoring.
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.
“LEAF”
Seems like it belongs to: PARTS OF A PIANO
Actually belongs to: VEGETABLE PARTS
while pianos have keys, they don't have leaves; this word belongs to the vegetable parts category
“KEY”
Seems like it belongs to: SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
Actually belongs to: PARTS OF A PIANO
while 'key' can be part of a phrase, it's primarily a piano component in this context
“ROOT”
Seems like it belongs to: PARTS OF A PIANO
Actually belongs to: VEGETABLE PARTS
while pianos have complex structures, 'root' refers to the underground part of a plant in this puzzle
Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained
These words look like they belong in one group but actually fit somewhere else entirely.
Why “LEAF” didn't go with PARTS OF A PIANO
Seems like: PARTS OF A PIANO → Actually: VEGETABLE PARTS
while pianos have keys, they don't have leaves; this word belongs to the vegetable parts category
Why “KEY” didn't go with SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES
Seems like: SECOND HALVES OF DRINK NAMES → Actually: PARTS OF A PIANO
while 'key' can be part of a phrase, it's primarily a piano component in this context
Why “ROOT” didn't go with PARTS OF A PIANO
Seems like: PARTS OF A PIANO → Actually: VEGETABLE PARTS
while pianos have complex structures, 'root' refers to the underground part of a plant in this puzzle