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Need a nudge for NYT Connections puzzle #943, or ready for the full answer? Start with the spoiler-light hints below, then open the four groups and explanations when you’re ready.
Hints for Connections #943
- Yellow: Think of things commonly associated with the color red.
- Green: These phrases describe being in a risky or precarious position.
- Blue: Each tile is the remaining part of a musical artist’s name after removing its starting number.
- Purple: Change the first letter of each word to form a cardinal direction.
Answers for January 9, 2026
Spoilers below: the complete solution for game #943 is organized by group.
| Group | Category | Words |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow | Things that are red | 3 BALL, CARDINAL, HEART EMOJI, SOLO CUP |
| Green | Used in metaphors for precarious situations | 8 BALL, DEEP END, LIMB, THIN ICE |
| Blue | Musical artists minus starting numbers | 6 MAFIA, CHAINZ, DIRECTION, NON BLONDES |
| Purple | Cardinal directions with first letter changed | COUTH, FORTH, LEST, OAST |
How the groups work
Yellow: Things that are red
A 3 BALL, a cardinal, a heart emoji, and a Solo Cup can each be associated with the color red.
Green: Used in metaphors for precarious situations
Someone can be behind the 8 BALL, in the DEEP END, out on a LIMB, or on THIN ICE when facing a difficult or risky position.
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Blue: Musical artists minus starting numbers
The original artist names are 6 Mafia, 2 Chainz, One Direction, and 4 Non Blondes. Removing each starting number leaves the displayed tiles: 6 MAFIA, CHAINZ, DIRECTION, and NON BLONDES.
Purple: Cardinal directions with first letter changed
Change the first letter of each tile and it becomes a compass direction: COUTH to SOUTH, FORTH to NORTH, LEST to WEST, and OAST to EAST.
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How Connections works
Connections asks players to sort 16 words into four groups of four that share a common thread. Players can make up to four mistakes while solving.
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