Today’s puzzle pairs shopping, poker, emotions, and action verbs for tricky categories.
Wordplay challenges appear for ‘poker actions’ and ‘things you can pump.’
The yellow and blue groups are the easiest ones today; the green and purple ones are more challenging.
A fresh Tuesday brings another round of NYT Connections to puzzle over. The streak stays alive, the coffee is warm, and the clues? Well, they aren't pulling any punches today. There's a satisfying rhythm to solving these puzzles every morning. A little logic, a bit of luck, and plenty of head-scratching. This one's a solid brain teaser from start to finish.
Let's dive into NYT Connections today, where each word demands a second look. It's the kind of puzzle that throws you off early, then suddenly clicks all at once. Sometimes that click comes after a walk. Or staring blankly at the screen. Or, in this case, a cup refill.
NYT Connections presents a 4x4 grid of 16 words for those new to the game. The goal? Group them into four sets of four, each sharing a hidden theme. Easier said than done.
Color-coded groups offer a hint at difficulty:
Yellow: straightforward, usually obvious
Green: a little more nuanced
Blue: clever or thematic
Purple: often tricky, usually some wordplay involved
You get four mistakes before the puzzle locks you out. No pressure.
SPECIAL, BUG, RAISE, FIST, STEAM, PROMOTION, IRON, FOLD, DEAL, CHECK, GAS, RUFFLE, CALL, BRAKES, NETTLE, SALE
At first glance, there's a huge overlap. Some words seem interchangeable, and others feel totally out of place. That mix makes today's puzzle both maddening and rewarding.
Here are the categories to look out for:
Yellow group — wait for these to keep more cash in your pocket
Green group — ugh, so annoying
Blue group — a poker face helps with these
Purple group — items you can pump
Need more? Here are one-word nudges:
SPECIAL
STEAM
RAISE
FIST
Yellow group — Discount: DEAL, PROMOTION, SALE, SPECIAL
Green group — Irritate: BUG, NETTLE, RUFFLE, STEAM
Blue group — Poker actions: CALL, CHECK, FOLD, RAISE
Purple group — Things you can pump: BRAKES, FIST, GAS, IRON
The yellows fall into place first. DEAL, SALE, and SPECIAL belong together. PROMOTION completes that set. These feel familiar — the words you'd see on a coupon flyer. It's the gentlest entry point in today's grid.
Then comes the green set. Words like BUG and NETTLE start to buzz with irritation. STEAM (as in "blow off some...") makes sense. RUFFLE takes a moment, but the idiom "ruffle your feathers" seals the deal.
Poker fans recognize the blues quickly: CALL, CHECK, FOLD, RAISE. These are textbook moves around a felt table. Easy to overlook if you're not a card player, but once spotted, it locks into place.
The purples are the final twist. GAS and BRAKES both relate to driving. FIST might feel like a stretch, but think "pump your fist" in celebration. IRON? Think gym reps. All pumpable, in their own right.
Also Read: NYT Wordle Answer Today for July 28, 2025: Hints, Strategy & Expert Walkthrough
Today's NYT Connections answers offer a perfect blend of simplicity and curveballs. The yellow group gives an easy opening. The green group tests emotional vocabulary. The blue group favors poker-savvy solvers, while the purple group ties it all together with imaginative lateral thinking.
It's satisfying to watch the puzzle unfold. One by one, the categories clarify. That "aha!" moment never gets old.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for fresh NYT Connections hints, a new batch of word traps, and hopefully, one more win on the streak counter.