The complete rule
Divide sixteen text clues into four non-overlapping groups of four. Every clue is used once. Each group must share one precise relationship, and solving a group removes it from the board. Similar-looking decoys may fit an early idea, so test the whole group before submitting.
See through the overlap
Find the tightest group. Start with four clues whose connection is unusually specific.
Expect decoys. A clue may appear to fit more than one possible category.
Use leftovers. Every solved group narrows the meaning of the remaining clues.
A small worked example
APPLE, PEAR, PLUM and PEACH make a precise group of fruits. If RED is also present, it may appear linked to APPLE, but “things that can be red” is much looser and does not yet prove a four-item group. Prefer the rule that accounts for all four clues in the same way.
Build a four-item proof
Before selecting, state the connection in a short phrase and test it against all four clues. A strong group uses the same relationship for every item. If one clue fits only through a different definition, spelling trick or exception, keep the group as a possibility rather than submitting it.
List another item that would fit the proposed category. If that is easy, the category is probably coherent. Then scan the remaining twelve clues for a second equally tight set; this check can expose a decoy borrowed from another group.
Accessibility and controls
Clues are labelled text buttons, selected state is communicated beyond colour, and confirmed groups include a written explanation. Keyboard users can move through the controls in reading order. If a clue has an alternative plausible meaning, wait until neighbouring groups clarify it rather than relying on appearance.
Use solved groups as information
Once a group is confirmed, reinterpret the remaining clues instead of repeating the same associations. Ambiguous words often become clearer when one possible meaning has already been used. With eight clues left, compare two complete groups rather than forcing four isolated guesses.
Prefer a shorter challenge? Play Odd One Out. Browse recent dates in the archive, or open the weekly printable pack and compare the explanations after completing each connection activity.