Connections Hints and Answers for Thursday, November 12, 2026 (#1250)
Stuck on NYT Connections #1250 for Thursday, November 12, 2026? Below are spoiler-free hints and clues for all four color groups, the red herrings to avoid, the four category names, and the full answers, each hidden until you open it.
Multiple words point toward a classic sci-fi film franchise, but they are split across four different categories.
| Puzzle | NYT Connections #1250 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, November 12, 2026 |
| Editor | Wyna Liu |
| Difficulty | 4 out of 5 |
| Next puzzle | #1251 unlocks at midnight your local time (Friday, November 13, 2026) |
Connections #1250 hints and clues
Each color group has three clues. Open one at a time: each gives away a little more than the last, and none of them shows the category name.
Yellow group hints
Hint 1: a gentle nudge
These are classic exclamations used when someone is surprised or shocked.
Hint 2: a stronger push
Each phrase is a multi-word interjection that serves as a polite way to say 'Oh my god!'
Hint 3: reveal one word
One of these shocked expressions is JIMINY CRICKET.
Green group hints
Hint 1: a gentle nudge
Focus on the first word of these two-word phrases.
Hint 2: a stronger push
The first words are all synonyms for the act of modifying or fluctuating.
Hint 3: reveal one word
One example of a phrase beginning with a synonym for modification is CHANGE PURSE.
Blue group hints
Hint 1: a gentle nudge
Look at the second word of these phrases and think about the kitchen.
Hint 2: a stronger push
Each phrase concludes with a word that describes a specific method of preparing food with heat.
Hint 3: reveal one word
One phrase that concludes with a culinary technique is COMEDY ROAST.
Purple group hints
Hint 1: a gentle nudge
The first words of these compounds all won a very specific prestigious film award.
Hint 2: a stronger push
If you look at the initial words, you'll find titles of films that won the top Academy Award.
Hint 3: reveal one word
One phrase that begins with a top-tier film title is ROCKY ROAD.
Connections #1250 red herrings
Words that look like they belong together but don’t. Seeing them can save you a mistake.
Show the traps
- GREAT SCOTT, FLUX CAPACITOR, DOC BROWN, MARTY MCFLY: While these all relate to the Back to the Future movies, they belong in four different groups.
- SHIFT DRESS, GLADIATOR SANDALS: These are both items of clothing, but they do not share a group on this board.
- HOLY SMOKES, COMEDY ROAST, ARCTIC CHAR: These words might suggest things associated with fire or smoke, but they are split up.
Connections #1250 categories
Knowing the theme is often enough to finish. These are the four category names, without the words.
Show the four categories
- Yellow: "GADZOOKS!"
- Green: STARTING WITH VARIATIONS
- Blue: ENDING IN WAYS TO COOK THINGS
- Purple: STARTING WITH BEST PICTURE OSCAR WINNERS
Connections #1250 answers
All 16 words sorted into their groups, with why each one fits. Spoilers inside.
Reveal all four answers
Yellow: "GADZOOKS!"
GOOD HEAVENS, GREAT SCOTT, HOLY SMOKES, JIMINY CRICKET
These are mild, old-fashioned exclamations of surprise or disbelief.
- GOOD HEAVENS — A polite exclamation of surprise.
- GREAT SCOTT — An interjection popularized by Doc Brown but used generally for shock.
- HOLY SMOKES — A common mild oath for surprise.
- JIMINY CRICKET — A minced oath for Jesus Christ used as an exclamation.
Green: STARTING WITH VARIATIONS
CHANGE PURSE, FLUX CAPACITOR, SHIFT DRESS, SWING SET
The first word in each phrase is a noun or verb meaning a transition or modification.
- CHANGE PURSE — "Change" is a synonym for modification.
- FLUX CAPACITOR — "Flux" refers to continuous change or flow.
- SHIFT DRESS — "Shift" means to move or change position.
- SWING SET — "Swing" implies a back-and-forth movement or variation.
Blue: ENDING IN WAYS TO COOK THINGS
ARCTIC CHAR, COMEDY ROAST, DOC BROWN, YOU'RE TOAST
The second word in each entry is a verb or noun related to browning or heating food.
- ARCTIC CHAR — "Char" means to singe or burn the surface.
- COMEDY ROAST — "Roast" is a dry-heat method for preparing meat or vegetables.
- DOC BROWN — "Brown" refers to the Maillard reaction or searing food.
- YOU'RE TOAST — "Toast" means to brown something, usually bread, with radiant heat.
Purple: STARTING WITH BEST PICTURE OSCAR WINNERS
GLADIATOR SANDALS, MARTY MCFLY, MOONLIGHT SONATA, ROCKY ROAD
The first word of each phrase is a movie that won the Academy Award for the year's top film.
- GLADIATOR SANDALS — "Gladiator" won the top prize in 2001.
- MARTY MCFLY — "Marty" won the top prize in 1956.
- MOONLIGHT SONATA — "Moonlight" won the top prize in 2017.
- ROCKY ROAD — "Rocky" won the top prize in 1977.