Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,169 hints and answers for Sunday, August 23, 2026

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

Connections #1,169 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: Watch the longer entries: at least one of these four is a multi-word phrase, which usually points at the shape of the category.

POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE THINGS

POWDER KEG · TIME BOMB · TINDERBOX · VOLCANO

Group 2 - Green

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.

DOUBLE VOWELS

ANTIFREEZE · BAZAAR · SKIING · VACUUM

Group 3 - Blue

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.

MADE WITH POTATOES

HOME FRIES · POTATO BATTERY · VICHYSSOISE · VODKA

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.

HOUSEHOLD STAIN REMOVERS

BAKING SODA · CLUB SODA · HYDROGEN PEROXIDE · VINEGAR

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "An epic journey"