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Connections Hints for May 17, 2026 #1070

Pro tip: Tap each section to reveal answers one at a time. If you just need a gentle hint, get the connection hint for May 17, 2026 #1070

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Yellow Category — May 17, 2026

Green Category — May 17, 2026

Blue Category — May 17, 2026

Purple Category — May 17, 2026

Tricky Words in Today's Connections

Definitions for the most unusual words in today's puzzle

Yellow group — CONDUIT

Why is “DUCT” in the Yellow group?

a tube or pipe for conveying fluids or air

Blue group — TEA-MAKING VERBS

Why is “STRAIN” in the Blue group?

to separate liquids from solids using a filter or sieve

Word definitions

Tricky words in today's Connections (May 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.

LINE
Definition: a pipe or conduit for fluids
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a row of objects or people
MAIN
Definition: primary or principal
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a main course or main event
STEEP
Definition: to soak in liquid
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a steep slope or price
GRADE
Definition: a level of education
Why it's tricky: can also refer to a slope or rating

Connections #1070 explained

Why these words connect (May 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: CONDUIT

These are all terms related to pipes or tubes that convey fluids or air, including DUCT, LINE, MAIN, and PIPE.

Green group: SWINDLE

These are all terms related to cheating or deceiving someone, including FLEECE, HOSE, SQUEEZE, and STIFF.

Blue group: TEA-MAKING VERBS

These are all verbs related to making tea, including BOIL, POUR, STEEP, and STRAIN.

Purple group: "SCHOOL" MODIFIERS

These are all modifiers related to schools, including GRADE, GRAMMAR, HIGH, and PRIMARY.

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.

LINE

Seems like it belongs to: SWINDLE

Actually belongs to: CONDUIT

LINE can be a misleading term as it can also refer to a queue or a row, but in this context, it refers to a pipe or conduit.

MAIN

Seems like it belongs to: SWINDLE

Actually belongs to: CONDUIT

MAIN can be a misleading term as it can also refer to a primary or principal thing, but in this context, it refers to a main pipe or conduit.

STIFF

Seems like it belongs to: TEA-MAKING VERBS

Actually belongs to: SWINDLE

STIFF can be a misleading term as it can also refer to something that is rigid or unyielding, but in this context, it refers to cheating or swindling someone.

Today's Tricky Traps — Red Herrings Explained

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

Why “LINE” didn't go with SWINDLE

Seems like: SWINDLE → Actually: CONDUIT

LINE can be a misleading term as it can also refer to a queue or a row, but in this context, it refers to a pipe or conduit.

Why “MAIN” didn't go with SWINDLE

Seems like: SWINDLE → Actually: CONDUIT

MAIN can be a misleading term as it can also refer to a primary or principal thing, but in this context, it refers to a main pipe or conduit.

Why “STIFF” didn't go with TEA-MAKING VERBS

Seems like: TEA-MAKING VERBS → Actually: SWINDLE

STIFF can be a misleading term as it can also refer to something that is rigid or unyielding, but in this context, it refers to cheating or swindling someone.

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