Issue #780 Wed 25 Jun
Connections hints — June 25, 2025
Today's grid asks for a steady hand and a willingness to look past the obvious. With two groups built on direct association and two relying on structural manipulation, expect a moderate level of difficulty.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A deli counter order where you specify the exact thickness of the slice.
Food industry
Direct classification
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters B, G, J, S.
KINDS OF CHEESES
One is BLUE.
BLUE · GOAT · JACK · SWISS
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A sticky counter near the register where you grab what you need before exiting.
Hospitality supplies
Functional ensemble
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters C, L, N, S.
BEVERAGE SELF-SERVICE ITEMS
One is CUP.
CUP · LID · NAPKIN · STRAW
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Wood shavings curling onto the floor of a drafty workshop.
Manual trade equipment
Categorical list
Members are 3–6 letters; first letters C, P, R, S.
WOODWORKING HAND TOOLS
One is CHISEL.
CHISEL · PLANE · RASP · SAW
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A missed note at the end of a line that leaves the word hanging in the air.
Linguistic orthography
Truncation pattern
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters C, F, H, R.
BIRDS MINUS LAST LETTER
One is CRAN.
CRAN · FLAMING · HERO · RAVE