Connections · Hints and answers

Connections #1,178 hints and answers for Tuesday, September 1, 2026

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

Connections #1,178 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.

"I PROMISE!"

CROSS MY HEART · FOR REAL · ON GOD · PINKY SWEAR

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.

LONG, SKINNY THINGS OFTEN SEEN TOGETHER

ARROW · GOLF CLUB · PICK-UP STICK · SPAGHETTO

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.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS OF FICTION

HERCULE POIROT · MIKE HAMMER · SAM SPADE · SHERLOCK HOLMES

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.

STARTING WITH WORDS OF INTENTION

AIMEE MANN · HOPE DIAMOND · PLANETARIUM · WISHY-WASHY

Next on the board

Strands →

Theme clue: "Called by your calling"