Issue #1019 Tue 27 Jan
Connections hints — January 27, 2026
Today's grid asks for a steady hand. You will find two groups that rely on straightforward identification, paired with two others requiring a sharper eye for structural patterns.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The dinner party guest who keeps everyone leaning in, waiting for the punchline, long after the plates are cleared.
Personality descriptors
Synonyms for a type of person
Members are 4–9 letters; first letters C, J.
QUITE THE LAUGH
One is CARD.
CARD · CHARACTER · CUTUP · JOKER
green group 7 nudges
Green group
The arena lights, the sound of skates carving ice, and the crowd shifting in unison during a power play.
Professional sports franchises
Direct classification
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters D, F, P, R.
NHL TEAM MEMBER
One is DEVIL.
DEVIL · FLYER · PENGUIN · RANGER
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
A dusty volume of folklore pulled from the back shelf, where the names of outlaws and their companions remain etched in ink.
Literary figures
Word-part associations
Members are 4–7 letters; first letters F, M, R, S.
FIRST WORDS OF ROBIN HOOD CHARACTER NAMES
One is FRIAR.
FRIAR · MAID · ROBIN · SHERIFF
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
The garage bin filled with scuffed mitts and wooden handles, waiting for the first thaw of spring.
Linguistic construction
Compound words sharing a starting segment
Members are 8–9 letters; first letters B, C.
STARTING WITH BASEBALL GEAR
One is BALLROOM.
BALLROOM · BASEMENT · BATMOBILE · CAPSTONE