Issue #1003 Tue 6 Jan
Connections hints — January 6, 2026
Today's grid offers a smooth progression of difficulty, requiring a steady eye to distinguish between literal interpretations and more flexible linguistic associations. Patience with the overlaps will be your greatest asset.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
Where the lawnmower lives, where the mail piles up, where the kids hide.
Domestic architecture
Synonyms
Members are 3–8 letters; first letters D, F, P, Q.
APARTMENT
One is DIGS.
DIGS · FLAT · PAD · QUARTERS
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The resonance of a cello string after the bow has lifted.
Auditory qualities
Synonyms
Members are 4–5 letters; first letters C, D, F, R.
SONOROUS
One is CLEAR.
CLEAR · DEEP · FULL · RICH
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Checking your cards under the table while the dealer waits for a decision.
Card game terminology
Shortened common nouns
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters B, F, Q, S.
POKER HANDS, FAMILIARLY
One is BOAT.
BOAT · FLUSH · STRAIGHT · QUADS
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A birthday party centerpiece made from a long, twisted bit of rubber.
Compound phrases
Common word prefixes
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters B, P, S.
___ ANIMAL
One is BALLOON.
BALLOON · PACK · PARTY · STUFFED