Issue #609 Tue 7 Jan
Connections hints — January 7, 2025
A steady grid that relies on careful parsing of short, common phrases. The groups are distinct, though several entries demand a second look to see where they truly belong.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A quartet huddled around a single microphone, fingers snapping in time to a rhythm section that exists only in their throats.
Performing arts
Shared field of practice
Members are 7–10 letters; first letters A, B, D, M.
VOCAL MUSIC
One is A CAPPELLA.
A CAPPELLA · BARBERSHOP · DOO-WOP · MADRIGAL
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The loose change in your pocket, the handful of keys on the counter, the items left over after the main event.
Quantifiers
Synonyms for unspecified quantities
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters A, C, S, V.
A HANDFUL OF
One is A FEW.
A FEW · CERTAIN · SOME · VARIOUS
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Scanning the spine of a paperback on a library shelf, looking past the main title to find the promise of what waits inside.
Literary conventions
Common editorial additions to titles
Members are 6–8 letters; first letters A, E, P.
BOOK SUBTITLES
One is A LIFE.
A LIFE · A NOVEL · ESSAYS · PART ONE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A declarative statement etched onto a greeting card or whispered during a moment of profound realization.
Idiomatic phrases
Shared components of common adages
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters A, E, L.
___ IS ___ (IS ___)
One is A DEAL.
A DEAL · A ROSE · ENOUGH · LOVE