Issue #745 Thu 15 May
Connections hints — May 15, 2025
A grid that requires careful navigation to avoid common traps. Four distinct themes emerge once the initial clutter is cleared.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The lawyer pacing the room, lining up the evidence in chronological order before the judge arrives.
Logic and argumentation
Synonyms
Members are 5–10 letters; first letters B, F, G, R.
RATIONALE
One is BASIS.
BASIS · FOUNDATION · GROUNDS · REASON
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A shovel leaning against the porch, the windshield scraper left in the glovebox, and the boots drying by the radiator.
Climatology and winter conditions
Synonyms
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters C, I, P, S.
TYPES OF SNOW
One is CRUST.
CRUST · ICE · POWDER · SLUSH
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Velvet curtains parting, the house lights dimming, and the conductor raising a baton in the pit.
Classical music and theater
Completion of proper nouns
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters B, F, S.
LAST WORDS OF FAMOUS OPERA TITLES
One is BESS.
BESS · BUTTERFLY · FLUTE · SEVILLE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A signature on a line, a handshake after the offer, and the paperwork waiting on the desk.
Common compound phrases
Word completion
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters D, E, M, W.
REAL ___
One is DEAL.
DEAL · ESTATE · MADRID · WORLD