The New York Times Connections puzzle #577 (January 8, 2025) presents a challenging word grouping task. Sixteen words must be sorted into four mystery categories. This guide provides hints, clues, and the complete solution.
Puzzle Words: Pick, Memory, Limb, Biscuit, Trunk, Drumstick, Corn, Branch, Ear, Wing, Stained, Bow, Lincoln, Mallet, Tusk, Division.

General Hints:
- No categories relate solely to food types or tree parts.
- "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 possible words: Vein, Kitty, Trapped.
- 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
Play the New York Times Games Connections puzzle online at their website.