January 30, 2026

NYT Connections Hint - January 30, 2026

Hey there, word‑wanderers! 💡 Today’s Connections felt a bit like rummaging through a junk drawer at first—little bits of everything, from grooming to adhesives—until the right groupings slipped into place. Take it from someone who’s definitely taped a sticker three times: sometimes the most everyday items hide brilliant patterns! Ready to see what you connect with?

Word Explanations

  • MINUTE

    • A tiny portion of time, and also a synonym for infinitesimal. As in “I’ll be back in a minute,” or “Don’t worry—it’s minute detail.” Fun twist: this word also loves to double up as a hand!

  • TAPE

    • Sticky strip used for fixing, sealing, or crafting. Fun fact: duct tape was originally called “duck tape” because it repelled water like a duck’s back—perfect for rugged repairs and art projects alike!

  • AREA

    • A distinct space or surface. You measure it, map it, or claim it—like “the kitchen area” or “a patch of sunlight.” Ties neatly into the REGION category.

  • COMPACT

    • A small, organized container—also a verb meaning to fit tightly. As a noun it’s a makeup compact; as a verb it means to compress. Dual personality words are the best in puzzles!

  • POCKET

    • A pouch sewn into clothing or a space to keep something close. We say “pocket money,” “know the ropes in your pocket,” and “treasure trove.” Think small places—and we’re back to regions!

  • COMB

    • A tool with uniform teeth—from hair‑combing to digital structures in data processing. Did you know a single file of organized info can still be called a comb? Wild, right?

  • POKER

    • A rod for stirring (like a fire poker) or a card game hand. Fun fact: a poker hand has specific ranking rules—royal flush lives here, too!

  • STICKER

    • A sticky label that adds flair to notebooks, cars, or lunch boxes. People collect vintage stickers, craft with them, and use them to label anything that moves. Adhesive artistry at its finest!

  • PATCH

    • A small piece sewn onto fabric to cover wear—or a software update! We “patch up” issues and “patch” a hole in a favorite old jacket. Handy little word.

  • BAND-AID

    • An adhesive bandage brand that’s now a generic term. It combines flexibility with a sticky pad to protect minor cuts—pure adhesive convenience!

  • NAIL FILE

    • A textured tool for shaping nails—emery boards, metal, or glass. Quick scratch here, smooth polish later; it’s the tiny maintenance star of the grooming group.

  • LINT ROLLER

    • A roller with sticky sheets that lifts lint from clothes. A cousin of adhesives—because it relies on tacky sheets to grab fibers. Handy after shedding season!

  • UPPER

    • The higher part—shoes, decks of cards, or an advantageous position (“gain the upper hand”). It’s like saying “I’m on the peak, and that gives me control.”

  • CLUSTER

    • A group of similar things gathered together—like a cluster of grapes or a cluster of stars. In data science, it means grouping related items—perfect for word games too!

  • HELPING

    • Meaning support or assistance; as a noun it’s aid, and as a verb it means to back something up. Think “lend a helping __.”

  • TWEEZERS

    • Precision tool for plucking hairs or retrieving splinters. A lifesaver for fiddly jobs—tiny, pointed, and totally under‑rated without it. Great for tweezing eyebrows or craft work!

Theme Hints

  1. REGION

    • Think of small, bounded places or zones. Some of these are stitched into clothing while others sit neatly together as mini‑groups.

  2. GROOMING ITEMS

    • Imagine yourself freshening up or making small tweaks to your look. Which tiny tools come out to help you look your best?

  3. THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES

    • What do you reach for when you need something to grab, cling, or stick? Think about patching up, labeling, or cleaning up the little messes.

  4. ___ HAND

    • Picture hands doing specific jobs. Some tell time, others handle cards, and some offer a boost or aid when you need it most.

Answers Explanation

Click to reveal answers!

  1. REGION

    :AREA,CLUSTER,PATCH,POCKET

    • Think of area, patch, and pocket as small sections, like neighborhoods within this puzzle. Cluster brings us together by grouping similar items—like a cluster of words sharing a category! This group feels like a map of the puzzle—each word stakes out its own territory.

  2. GROOMING ITEMS

    :COMB,COMPACT,NAIL FILE,TWEEZERS

    • These four are your glove‑compartment essentials and bathroom counter champions. Tweezers pluck, combs sort, compacts tidy, and nail files smooth—think small daily maintenance routines. I’ve definitely packed a compact in my purse for emergencies!

  3. THINGS WITH ADHESIVE SURFACES

    :BAND-AID,LINT ROLLER,STICKER,TAPE

    • This group sticks together—literally! Band‑Aid, sticker, tape, and lint roller all have an adhesive side that makes them cling. Fun fact: the lint roller uses adhesive sheets to trap stray fibers, and Band‑Aid’s stickiness was inspired by kitchen tape experiments. Clever, right?

  4. ___ HAND

    :HELPING,MINUTE,POKER,UPPER

    • These are all the hand‑related halves you knew, but with a twist! Helping hand gives support, minute hand traces time, poker hand bets cards, and upper hand means advantage. It’s a playful set of common collocations—perfect for ending this puzzle with a confident grip!

There you have it—four clever categories hiding in plain sight! I love how compact and precise this puzzle felt, like opening a perfectly organized drawer of life’s little odds and ends. 🌟 Which category surprised you the most? I was most excited about the adhesive group—I’ve always got some stray stickers and band-aids on hand! Until tomorrow, happy puzzling, and may your connections be as satisfying as finding the perfect stickered Band‑Aid when you need it most.