Connections Answers
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
1
FLABBERGAST
These words all describe making someone feel extremely surprised, amazed, or shocked, like being 'flabbergasted.' They suggest a very strong reaction to something unexpected.
Individual words:
•DAZZLE: To impress someone greatly with something very bright, beautiful, or skillful. It makes you feel amazed and a little overwhelmed.
•FLOOR: To completely shock or surprise someone, often with news, making them feel unable to react. Like being 'knocked over' by surprise.
•STUN: To shock or surprise someone so much that they cannot speak or react for a short time. You are deeply impressed or overwhelmed.
•WOW: To impress or excite someone greatly, causing them to show strong admiration or surprise. It's also an exclamation of amazement.
2
THINGS IN A VIOLIN CASE
These are all important items or accessories that a violinist keeps inside their violin case to play or protect their instrument.
Individual words:
•BOW: This is a long stick with horsehair. Musicians use it to rub the strings of a violin (or cello) to make sounds. It's essential for playing.
•MUTE: This is a small device that a violinist puts on the bridge of the violin. It makes the sound quieter or softer, often for practice or special musical effects.
•ROSIN: This is a sticky, solid substance, like a block of tree sap. Violinists rub it on the horsehair of the bow. It helps the bow grip the strings to make a clear sound.
•SHOULDER REST: This is a curved piece of equipment that attaches to the back of a violin. It rests on the musician's shoulder, making it more comfortable to hold the violin while playing.
3
___ DOGS (THAT ARE DOGS)
Each of these words can be combined with 'DOGS' to describe a specific type or role of a dog. For example, 'Hunting Dogs'.
Individual words:
•HUNTING: A 'hunting dog' is trained to help people find and catch wild animals. They use their excellent sense of smell or speed to assist hunters.
•RESCUE: A 'rescue dog' helps find people in emergencies, like after a disaster. It can also refer to a dog saved from a bad situation that needs a new home.
•SAUSAGE: A 'sausage dog' is a common, informal nickname for a Dachshund. This dog breed has a long body and short legs, resembling a sausage.
•SHEEP: A 'sheep dog' is a dog trained to gather, control, and protect sheep on a farm. These dogs are very smart and work closely with farmers.
4
___ DOGS (THAT AREN'T DOGS)
These words can all be placed before the word 'DOG' to create a phrase where 'dog' does not refer to the animal itself. They represent snacks, animals, drinks, or positions.
Individual words:
•CORN: A grain plant grown widely in the US. A "corn dog" is a popular American snack: a sausage on a stick, deep-fried in a sweet cornmeal batter.
•PRAIRIE: A large, flat grassland, common in central America. A "prairie dog" is a small, burrowing rodent (like a squirrel) that lives in these areas, not a canine.
•SALTY: Tasting like salt. A "salty dog" is an alcoholic cocktail (drink) made with vodka or gin and grapefruit juice, often with a salted glass rim.
•TOP: The highest or most important part. A "top dog" is an idiom meaning the leader, the most successful person, or the most powerful one in a group.