Issue #1002 Thu 8 Jan
Connections hints — January 8, 2026
A tidy distribution of four distinct themes today. The grid offers a few overlapping traps for the unwary, but a careful read of the clues should keep the path clear.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
Cold air, a stuck-in-throat moment, the camera flash you weren't ready for — three different snags, same body.
Physiological responses
Synonyms for involuntary physical reactions
Members are 5–9 letters; first letters C, G, S, T.
BIT OF A RESPONSE TO STRONG EMOTIONS
One is CHILL.
CHILL · GOOSEBUMP · SHIVER · TINGLE
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The walk sign is solid red, the sidewalk is clear, and you decide that waiting is for other people.
Minor infractions
Verbs describing small acts of non-compliance
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters J, L, S.
BREAK THE RULES
One is JAYWALK.
JAYWALK · LITTER · LOITER · SPEED
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Something you might find in a high school physics lab or a particularly well-equipped backyard.
Mechanical engineering
Examples of a specific mechanical apparatus
Members are 6–10 letters; first letters C, S.
FIRST-CLASS LEVERS
One is CLOTHESPIN.
CLOTHESPIN · CROWBAR · SCISSORS · SEESAW
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
You scan the grocery aisle, looking past the wrappers for a word that starts with a familiar sweet.
Wordplay
Words sharing a common prefix
Members are 7–9 letters; first letters A, D, H, M.
STARTING WITH CANDY BARS
One is AEROPLANE.
AEROPLANE · DOVETAIL · HEATHERS · MARSALA