Connections Answers

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

MESS (WITH)

These words all describe actions that mean to 'mess with' something or someone, often in a way that is informal, experimental, or interfering.

Individual words:

•FIDDLE: To touch or play with something in a restless, often aimless way, making small adjustments. For example, 'Don't fiddle with the television remote if you don't know what you're doing.'

•MEDDLE: To interfere in other people's business or problems when you are not wanted or asked. It often has a negative meaning, like 'Don't meddle in my private life.'

•TINKER: To make small, experimental changes or repairs to something, often without a clear plan or expert knowledge. For example, 'He likes to tinker with old cars in his garage.'

•TRIFLE: To treat someone or something without seriousness or respect, or to waste time on something unimportant. For example, 'Don't trifle with important matters' or 'Don't trifle with her feelings.'

PARTS OF THE EAR

These words are all parts of the human ear, or common names for important structures within it.

Individual words:

•ANVIL: This is a tiny bone inside your ear. It's named after a heavy tool blacksmiths use because of its similar shape.

•CANAL: This is a small tunnel or passage. Your ear canal is the tube that carries sound from outside your head to your eardrum.

•DRUM: This refers to your 'eardrum,' a thin skin inside your ear. It vibrates when sound hits it, much like a musical drum.

•STIRRUP: This is another tiny bone inside your ear. It's named after the part of a horse's saddle where a rider puts their foot, due to its shape.

___ BELL

Each word can be placed before 'BELL' to form a common phrase or a well-known name. For example, 'DIVING BELL' or 'TACO BELL'.

Individual words:

•DIVING: A 'diving bell' is a sealed chamber used to transport people or equipment underwater, keeping them safe and dry.

•JINGLE: A 'jingle bell' is a small, hollow bell often found on holiday decorations, sleighs, or pet collars, known for its light, ringing sound.

•LIBERTY: The 'Liberty Bell' is an iconic American symbol in Philadelphia, known for its crack, representing freedom and independence in U.S. history.

•TACO: 'Taco Bell' is a very popular fast-food restaurant chain in the United States that serves Mexican-inspired dishes like tacos and burritos.

BELL ___

Each word can follow "BELL" to make a common phrase or object.

Individual words:

•BOTTOMS: Bell-bottoms are a style of pants that are very wide at the bottom, like the shape of a bell. They were popular in the 1970s in the US.

•JAR: A bell jar is a special glass cover, shaped like a bell. Scientists often use it to create a vacuum or protect items in experiments.

•PEPPER: A bell pepper is a common, large, sweet vegetable, not spicy. It's shaped somewhat like a bell and comes in colors like red, yellow, or green.

•TOWER: A bell tower is a tall part of a building, often a church, where large bells are hung. These bells ring to mark time or for special events.