Issue #880 Sun 28 Sep
Connections hints — September 28, 2025
A steady climb today, with groups that demand careful sorting to separate the literal from the figurative. Keep an eye on your initial placements, as a few items could easily drift into the wrong column.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A sturdy fence around the garden, or the heavy coat you reach for when the temperature drops.
Security and defense concepts
Synonyms for a common defensive function
Members are 5–10 letters; first letters A, G, P, S.
BACKING
One is AEGIS.
AEGIS · GUARD · PROTECTION · SHIELD
green group 7 nudges
Green group
A suspicious pop-up window, or the file you know you should not have clicked on.
Computer security threats
Specific types of digital hazards
Members are 4–12 letters; first letters B, T, V, W.
MALICIOUS SOFTWARE
One is BACKDOOR.
BACKDOOR · TROJAN HORSE · VIRUS · WORM
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
The crinkle of a foil wrapper in your pocket, or the quick purchase at the checkout counter.
Common consumer brands
Proper nouns sharing a specific retail market
Members are 5–12 letters; first letters E, I, O, T.
GUM BRANDS
One is EXTRA.
EXTRA · ICE BREAKERS · ORBIT · TRIDENT
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The shape on the side of a helmet, or the iconic symbol painted on the fifty-yard line.
Professional sports iconography
Visual representations of team identities
Members are 7–14 letters; first letters B, F, H, L.
N.F.L. TEAM LOGOS
One is BUFFALO.
BUFFALO · FLEUR-DE-LIS · HORSESHOE · LIGHTNING BOLT