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. This guide 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:
- Food-related groupings are incorrect.
- Categories won't center on tree parts or limb names.
- "Corn" and "Stained" belong together.
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: Characteristics of a large, gray mammal.
- Answer: Distinctive Features of an Elephant
- Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk
Purple Category (Tricky):
- Hint: Words often misspelled in nu-metal band names. (Other possibilities: 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? Find the New York Times Games Connections puzzle online!