Issue #146 Sat 4 Nov
Connections hints — November 4, 2023
Today's grid asks for a steady hand. You will find several groups that pull in different directions, requiring a careful look at how common terms shift their meaning under pressure.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A late night with flashcards, a heavy textbook, and the coffee pot running dry.
Educational and professional development
Direct synonyms
Members are 5–8 letters; first letters D, P, S, T.
WAYS TO PREPARE
One is DRILL.
DRILL · PRACTICE · STUDY · TRAIN
green group 7 nudges
Green group
Sipping through a drink, clearing a clogged drain, or patching a leak in the basement.
Physical objects
Common physical forms
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters H, P, S, T.
HOLLOW CYLINDERS
One is HOSE.
HOSE · PIPE · STRAW · TUBE
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
The library, the conservatory, or the study, depending on which room you suspect the culprit fled to.
Pop culture icons
Thematic items
Members are 4–11 letters; first letters C, K, R, W.
WEAPONS IN THE GAME CLUE
One is CANDLESTICK.
CANDLESTICK · KNIFE · ROPE · WRENCH
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The morning commute, a digital inbox, or the latest tech upgrade on your smartphone.
Modern terminology
Shared prefix
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters B, C, S, T.
“E-” THINGS
One is CIGARETTE.
CIGARETTE · BIKE · TICKET · SPORTS