Connections Hints: Sep 1, 2026

This page shows spoiler-layered hints for the NYT Connections puzzle published on Sep 1, 2026 (2026-09-01). Step through the hints in order and only reveal the full group breakdown when you're ready.

Meta: Puzzle #1257

Puzzle #1257 · 2026-09-01

Step through today’s Connections hints

Start with broad themes, then reveal more detail about the groups and tiles only when you need it. The final button shows today's full group breakdown.

Puzzle reference: Connections #1257 for 2026-09-01, edition main, with a standard four-group board. Spoiler categories and tiles stay collapsed until you open the hint layers below.

Hint 1 – overall theme

There are 4 groups in today’s puzzle.

Themes include: "I PROMISE!", LONG, SKINNY THINGS OFTEN SEEN TOGETHER, PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS OF FICTION and 1 more.

Hint 2 – group titles

Here are the category names for each group. Try matching the tiles in the official game to these themes before you reveal any tiles.

  • "I PROMISE!"
  • LONG, SKINNY THINGS OFTEN SEEN TOGETHER
  • PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS OF FICTION
  • STARTING WITH WORDS OF INTENTION

Hint 3 – group tiles

Reveal the tiles for each group. If you only want a partial nudge, stop after reading one or two groups and go back to the official puzzle.

"I PROMISE!"

CROSS MY HEART
FOR REAL
ON GOD
PINKY SWEAR

LONG, SKINNY THINGS OFTEN SEEN TOGETHER

ARROW
GOLF CLUB
PICK-UP STICK
SPAGHETTO

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS OF FICTION

HERCULE POIROT
MIKE HAMMER
SAM SPADE
SHERLOCK HOLMES

STARTING WITH WORDS OF INTENTION

AIMEE MANN
HOPE DIAMOND
PLANETARIUM
WISHY-WASHY

Reveal full answer

This is the full breakdown of today's Connections puzzle: group titles and all tiles, grouped together.

"I PROMISE!"

CROSS MY HEART
FOR REAL
ON GOD
PINKY SWEAR

LONG, SKINNY THINGS OFTEN SEEN TOGETHER

ARROW
GOLF CLUB
PICK-UP STICK
SPAGHETTO

PRIVATE INVESTIGATORS OF FICTION

HERCULE POIROT
MIKE HAMMER
SAM SPADE
SHERLOCK HOLMES

STARTING WITH WORDS OF INTENTION

AIMEE MANN
HOPE DIAMOND
PLANETARIUM
WISHY-WASHY

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