Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,005 hints and answers for Thursday, March 12, 2026

Edited by Wyna Liu · Groups listed easiest to hardest: yellow, green, blue, purple

Connections #1,005 puts four groups of four on the board, running from the yellow group through to purple. For each group below: read the hint first, then show the category name when you want it, then the four words.

Group 1 - Yellow

Hint: One thread ties these four together. It is a fair link, not a trick - think about what the words can all be or do.

PLACES TO FIND SAND

BUNKER · DESERT · HOURGLASS · SANDBOX

Group 2 - Green

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

THINGS THAT MOVE BACK AND FORTH

METRONOME · PENDULUM · SWING · WINDSHIELD WIPER

Group 3 - Blue

Hint: Four words, one thread. Say each of the four out loud - the link is usually plainer than it looks.

APPARATUS-BASED EXERCISE CLASSES

BARRE · REFORMER · SPIN · STEP

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

FEATURING BIRDS

CUCKOO CLOCK · FROOT LOOPS · MEXICAN FLAG · WEATHER VANE

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Out-and-out"