Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,168 hints and answers for Saturday, August 22, 2026

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

Connections #1,168 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: These four belong together for one clean reason. If two of them pair up in your head first, let the other two confirm it.

CARPENTRY TOOLS

CHISEL · HAMMER · PLANE · SAW

Group 2 - Green

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

KINDS OF MELON

BITTER · MUSK · WATER · WINTER

Group 3 - Blue

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.

GARDEN HOSE SETTINGS

CONE · JET · MIST · SHOWER

Group 4 - Purple

Hint: The category name leaves a blank - each of these four words fills it to make a familiar phrase.

___ GIRLS OF POP CULTURE

GILMORE · GOLDEN · MEAN · SPICE

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Peak Americana"