Issue #989 Thu 1 Jan
Connections hints — January 1, 2026
Today's grid offers a steady progression, moving from direct associations toward a few lateral pivots that require a second look. Expect a standard level of difficulty that favors clear heads over complex wordplay.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
A smudge of salt over the left shoulder or a coin tossed into a fountain.
Folk practices
Direct synonyms
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters C, H, S.
BIT OF MAGIC
One is CHARM.
CHARM · CURSE · HEX · SPELL
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The discarded pile of rinds and husks left on the cutting board after a long afternoon in the kitchen.
Food preparation
Action verbs
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters P, S.
REMOVE THE COVERING FROM
One is PEEL.
PEEL · SHELL · SHUCK · SKIN
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
The quiet intensity of a person who has memorized every statistic in the back of a baseball card.
Personal interests
Synonyms for a type of person
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters B, H, R.
"ENTHUSIAST" EQUIVALENT
One is BUFF.
BUFF · HEAD · HOUND · RAT
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A sticky residue left on the counter after toast has been neglected for too long.
Compound words
Common prefixes
Members are 3–7 letters; first letters F, N, S.
BUTTER___
One is FINGERS.
FINGERS · FLY · NUT · SCOTCH