The New York Times Connections puzzle #577, for January 8th, 2025, presents a challenging word association game. Sixteen words must be sorted into four categories based on shared characteristics. This article provides hints, clues, and the complete solution to help you conquer this brain teaser.
The Words: Pick, Memory, Limb, Biscuit, Trunk, Drumstick, Corn, Branch, Ear, Wing, Stained, Bow, Lincoln, Mallet, Tusk, Division.
General Hints:
- The categories don't involve food types.
- The categories aren't focused on tree parts or limb names.
- "Corn" and "Stained" belong in the same group.
Category Hints and Solutions:
Yellow Category (Easy):
Hint: A component of a larger entity; a segment.
Answer: Section
Words: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing
Green Category (Medium):
Hint: Items needed to play musical instruments.
Answer: Accessories for Playing an Instrument
Words: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick
Blue Category (Hard):
Hint: Distinguishing features of a specific large, gray animal.
Answer: Distinctive Features of an Elephant
Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk
Purple Category (Tricky):
Hint: Consider words commonly misspelled in nu-metal band names. (Other potential words: Vein, Kitty, Trapped)
Answer: Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names
Words: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained
Complete Solution:
- Yellow - Section: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing
- Green - Accessories for Playing an Instrument: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick
- Blue - Distinctive Features of an Elephant: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk
- Purple - Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained
Ready to test your skills? Visit the New York Times Games Connections website to play!
