Issue #956 Wed 17 Dec
Connections hints — December 17, 2025
A grid that balances straightforward associations with a few adjustments to keep the eyes moving. Expect a steady, methodical pace from start to finish.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
Pulling a wooden frame off the mud and pushing off from the bank into the morning mist.
Maritime recreation
Synonyms
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters D, K, R, S.
HUMAN-POWERED WATERCRAFT
One is DUGOUT.
DUGOUT · KAYAK · RAFT · SHELL
green group 7 nudges
Green group
Checking the bubble in a carpenter's tool to ensure the shelf will not slide.
Physical alignment
Synonyms
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters E, F, L, P.
FLUSH
One is EVEN.
EVEN · FLAT · LEVEL · PLANE
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Scanning the parking lot for your ride after a long shift at the office.
Automotive manufacturers
Brand identifiers
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters A, C, O, P.
HONDA MODELS
One is ACCORD.
ACCORD · CIVIC · ODYSSEY · PILOT
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A Sunday school lesson that requires looking at the letters themselves rather than the scriptures.
Linguistic wordplay
Modification of proper nouns
Members are 5 letters each; first letters F, L, M, T.
BIBLICAL FIGURES PLUS STARTING LETTER
One is FLUKE.
FLUKE · LABEL · MADAM · TRUTH