The New York Times Connections puzzle #577, for January 8th, 2025, presents a challenging word association game. Sixteen words must be sorted into four mystery categories. This article provides hints, clues, and the complete solution to help you conquer this brain teaser.

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

General Hints:

1. The categories aren't food-related.
2. The categories don't focus on tree parts or limb names.
3. "Corn" and "Stained" belong together.

Category Hints and Solutions:

Yellow Category (Easy): A part of a whole; a segment.

Answer: Section

Words: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing

Green Category (Medium): Items used to play musical instruments.

Answer: Accessories for Playing an Instrument

Words: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick

Blue Category (Hard): Features characteristic of a large gray mammal.

Answer: Distinctive Features of an Elephant

Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk

Purple Category (Tricky): Words commonly misspelled in nu-metal band names. (Hint: Consider words that might be intentionally misspelled for stylistic effect).

Answer: Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names

Words: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained

Complete Solution Summary:

• 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!