New York Times 'Connections' Hints & Answers

The New York Times Connections puzzle #577, for January 8th, 2025, presents a challenging word grouping task. Sixteen words must be sorted into four categories, requiring careful consideration of shared characteristics and the elimination of misleading clues. 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:

1. No categories relate solely to food types or tree parts.
2. "Corn" and "Stained" belong together.

Category Hints and Solutions:

Yellow Category (Easy): The theme is "A part of a whole, a segment."

• Answer: Section
• Words: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing

Green Category (Medium): The theme focuses on items used with musical instruments.

• Answer: Accessories for Playing an Instrument
• Words: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick

Blue Category (Hard): This category centers on physical attributes of a specific animal.

• Answer: Distinctive Features of an Elephant
• Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk

Purple Category (Tricky): The theme involves a pattern found in nu-metal band names.

• 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!