The New York Times Connections puzzle #575 for January 6th, 2025, challenges players to categorize sixteen words into four groups. Need a hand? This guide provides the solution, along with hints to help you solve it yourself.

The words are: Blanket, Boot, Breeze, Rum, Picnic, Pant, Umbrella, Pie, Heave, Ars, ABC, General, Broad, Gasp, But, and Puff.

Solving the Puzzle:

While the definition of "Ars" isn't directly relevant, the puzzle's solution hinges on creative word associations. Here's a breakdown of the categories and their corresponding words, along with some helpful hints:

Hint 1: General Hints

• No categories relate to rainy-day items or outdoor air movement.
• "Ars" and "But" belong in the same group.

Category 1: Breathe Hard (Yellow)

This straightforward category groups words related to strenuous breathing.

• Hint: Think "Give me a moment to catch my breath!"

• Words: Gasp, Heave, Pant, Puff

Category 2: Catchall (Green)

This category contains words representing broad or encompassing concepts.

• Hint: Something broad and comprehensive.

• Words: Blanket, Broad, General, Umbrella

Category 3: Metaphors for Easy Things (Blue)

This challenging category uses words that metaphorically represent simplicity.

• Hint: This will be simple as __!

• Words: ABC, Breeze, Picnic, Pie

Category 4: Synonyms for Rear End Minus Last Letter (Purple)

This tricky category requires a bit of wordplay.

• Hint: Other words that could fit: Sea, As

• Words: Ars, Boot, But, Rum

Complete Solution:

• Yellow - Breathe Hard: Gasp, Heave, Pant, Puff
• Green - Catchall: Blanket, Broad, General, Umbrella
• Blue - Metaphors for Easy Things: ABC, Breeze, Picnic, Pie
• Purple - Synonyms for Rear End Minus Last Letter: Ars, Boot, But, Rum

Ready to test your skills? Play the New York Times Games Connections puzzle online!