Issue #1030 Sun 8 Feb
Connections hints — February 8, 2026
A grid that demands a steady pace. Four distinct paths emerge for those who can navigate the overlap between common phrases and technical requirements.
yellow group 7 nudges
Yellow group
The librarian’s finger against their lips, or the heavy velvet curtain falling before the start of a performance.
Communication control
Verb synonyms
Members are 3–7 letters; first letters G, I, M, S.
SUPPRESS
One is GAG.
GAG · INHIBIT · MUZZLE · SILENCE
green group 7 nudges
Green group
You take the same route home and a single door is open that's never open.
Monotonous activity
Synonyms
Members are 5–7 letters; first letters D, G, H, R.
SAME OLD STUFF
One is DRILL.
DRILL · GRIND · HABIT · ROUTINE
blue group 7 nudges
Blue group
Whatever you set the night before is what gets you up — for better or worse.
Security requirements
Items sharing one feature
Members are 6–9 letters; first letters L, N, S, U.
FEATURES OF A STRONG PASSWORD
One is LENGTH.
LENGTH · NUMBER · SYMBOL · UPPERCASE
violet group 7 nudges
Violet group
Look at a rooster. Look closely.
Compound phrases
Each fills the same blank
Members are 3–5 letters; first letters B, C, F, T.
WORDS AFTER "TWO"
One is BIT.
BIT · CENTS · FACED · TIMER