The New York Times Connections puzzle #577, for January 8th, 2025, presents a challenging word association game. This article provides hints, clues, and the complete solution to help you conquer this brain teaser.
Puzzle Words: Pick, Memory, Limb, Biscuit, Trunk, Drumstick, Corn, Branch, Ear, Wing, Stained, Bow, Lincoln, Mallet, Tusk, Division.

General Hints:
- The categories aren't food-related.
- The categories don't solely focus on tree parts or limb types.
- "Corn" and "Stained" belong together.

Category Hints and Solutions:
Yellow (Easy): A part of a whole, a segment.

Answer: Section
Words: Branch, Division, Limb, Wing

Green (Medium): Items needed to play musical instruments.

Answer: Accessories for Playing an Instrument
Words: Bow, Drumstick, Mallet, Pick

Blue (Hard): Features of a large gray animal.

Answer: Distinctive Features of an Elephant
Words: Ear, Memory, Trunk, Tusk

Purple (Tricky): Consider these words: Vein, Kitty, Trapped.

Answer: Words Misspelled in Nu Metal Band Names
Words: Biscuit, Corn, Lincoln, Stained

Complete Solution:
- 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!