Issue #1018 Sat 24 Jan
Connections hints — January 24, 2026
A steady hand and a clear head are required for today's grid. The groups are distinct, though several items demand a second look before clicking.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The smell of damp leather, the sound of a heavy bag swinging, and a towel draped over a shoulder after a long session.
Sports equipment
Objects sharing a specific functional purpose
Members are 4–10 letters; first letters G, M, R, S.
GEAR FOR A BOXER
One is GLOVES.
GLOVES · MOUTHGUARD · ROBE · SHORTS
green group 7 nudges
Green group
Holding a trophy high while the crowd cheers and the flashbulbs fire in rapid succession.
Victory markers
Synonyms for a top-tier honor
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters A, C, T.
CHAMPIONSHIP
One is AWARD.
AWARD · CROWN · CUP · TITLE
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Looking in the mirror to check how a sweater sits against the collarbone.
Fashion terminology
Descriptive terms for garment construction
Members are 4–6 letters; first letters B, C, H, S.
KINDS OF NECKLINES
One is BOAT.
BOAT · CREW · HALTER · SCOOP
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
A shake at the counter, a shaker on the shelf, or a printed pattern on a winter coat.
Compound words
Words that follow a common prefix
Members are 3–7 letters; first letters C, G, L, P.
SNOW ___
One is CONE.
CONE · GLOBE · LEOPARD · PEA