The New York Times Connections puzzle #577 (January 8, 2025) presents a challenging word association game. This article provides hints, clues, and the complete solution to help you conquer this brain teaser.

Puzzle Words: Pick, Memory, Limb, Biscuit, Trunk, Drumstick, Corn, Branch, Ear, Wing, Stained, Bow, Lincoln, Mallet, Tusk, Division.

General Hints:

• No food categories.
• No tree parts or limb names.
• "Corn" and "Stained" belong together.

Category Solutions:

Yellow (Easy): Section

• Hint: A part of a whole, a segment.
• Words: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing.

Green (Medium): Accessories for Playing an Instrument

• Hint: Additional parts needed to play instruments.
• Words: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick.

Blue (Hard): Distinctive Features of an Elephant

• Hint: Parts of a large, gray animal.
• Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk.

Purple (Tricky): Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names

• Hint: Other words that fit: Vein, Kitty, Trapped.
• Words: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained.

Complete Solution:

• Yellow - Section: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing
• Green - Accessories for Playing an Instrument: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick
• Blue - Distinctive Features of an Elephant: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk
• Purple - Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained

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