Stuck on today’s puzzle. We have you covered.
If you are staring at a grid of sixteen words that look nothing alike, you aren’t crazy. Puzzle #1124 from July 14 is a legitimate headache for many. But before you rage-quit, look here for the exact connections you need.
We also cover hints for Wordle and Strands if your day isn’t busy enough with brain teasers. But let’s talk Connections first. The Times now runs a bot similar to the one for Wordle. After you play, you get a score. If you have an account, you can track stats. Win streaks, perfect scores, total completions. Nerd out all you want.
Read more on general strategy in our dedicated guide: How To Win NYT Connections Every Time
How To Approach Today’s Four Groups
We ranked these from easy (yellow) to maddening (purple). Take a hint, then take another guess.
- Yellow group : Sign on the dotted line.
- Green group : Undo and redo, also.
- Blue group : A-tisket, a-basket.
- Purple group : They point the way.
Ready for the full list? Here are the July 14 Connections answers.
The Easy Group (Yellow): Things You Agree To
The theme is simple enough. Contract.
It’s the kind of connection that feels obvious in hindsight, which is exactly the point of the yellow tier. The four words that fit here are agreement, bargain, deal, and understanding.
Don’t overthink this one. These are synonyms for reaching an accord. Once you group them, the board clears up significantly.
The Mid-Tier Green: Standard Computer Functions
What do you do when you make a mistake on a computer? Or when you need to move text? The answer is hidden in the menu bar.
The green group represents edit menu options.
You have likely pressed these buttons thousands of times without thinking. The specific words are copy, cut, delete, and paste.
Why do these trap players? Because “delete” might seem like it fits elsewhere depending on the other words present. But combined with the clipboard functions, it forms a tight logical set.
The Blue Group: Containers With Handles
“A-tisket, a-tasket” isn’t just a nursery rhyme. It’s a clue to a physical object.
The blue group collects different kinds of baskets.
Specifically, you are looking for Easter, grocery, laundry, and picnic.
It seems straightforward until you see words that might imply other types of containers. But stick with the traditional wicker or mesh vibe here. Easter baskets and picnic baskets are iconic enough to bridge the gap between grocery hauling and laundry sorting.
The Tricky Purple Group: Symbolized With Arrows
Here is where most people stumble. The hint “they point the way” is intentionally vague. Arrows are everywhere in modern life.
The final group, symbolized with arrows, includes:
– Recycling (the three arrows)
– Shuffle (the crossed arrows on your music player)
– This side up (the arrow pointing to the ceiling)
– U-turn (the road sign with a turning arrow)
Do you notice the pattern? It isn’t just navigation. It’s visual communication using the universal glyph for direction or movement. Recycling arrows form a circle. Shuffle arrows intersect. U-turns bend back on themselves.
Arrows guide us through interfaces, streets, and even household chores.
Did you guess U-turn first? Probably. Did you pair it with the correct three? Less likely. The “shuffle” button is often overlooked as an arrow-based symbol compared to the rest.
So, did you beat the July 14 puzzle? Or are you going back to check that
