Issue #996 Wed 7 Jan
Connections hints — January 7, 2026
Today's grid requires a sharp eye for nuance, as two groups lean into familiar turns of phrase while the others demand a more literal interpretation. A patient approach to the overlaps will serve you well.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
You walk past a shop window and see yourself moving in perfect unison, a fraction of a second behind.
Synonyms for exact likenesses
Direct synonyms
Members are 5–6 letters; first letters C, D, M, R.
DOPPELGÄNGER
One is CLONE.
CLONE · DOUBLE · MIRROR · RINGER
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The small slice of the pizza left on the box, or the quiet claim you hold on a project at work.
Financial and possessive terms
Synonyms for holding a piece of something
Members are 5–8 letters; first letters C, I, S.
PORTION
One is CONCERN.
CONCERN · INTEREST · SHARE · STAKE
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
A quick glance at a masthead flapping in the wind, identifying the nation by its geometry.
Vexillology components
Common graphical elements
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters C, S.
COMMON FLAG SYMBOLS
One is CRESCENT.
CRESCENT · CROSS · STAR · STRIPE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The heavy iron handle coming down to crush a clove on the cutting board or smooth out a sharp crease in slacks.
Uses for mechanical force
Things subjected to physical compression
Members are 4–8 letters; first letters C, G, T, W.
PRESSED USING A PRESS
One is CIDER.
CIDER · GARLIC · TROUSERS · WINE