In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when trying to identify the groups that have overlapping themes or when they encounter words that could fit into multiple categories. For example, the words CANARY, FINK, RAT, and SNITCH all relate to the concept of betrayal or informing, which can confuse solvers who might initially think of them as belonging to a different context. Similarly, the words JAM, PACK, SQUEEZE, and STUFF all suggest a similar action of compressing or fitting into a space, but solvers might struggle to see how they relate to a single theme until they check their definitions closely.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the specific definitions and contexts of the words provided. For example, when looking at the BLUE group, recognizing that CAT, COW, MOUNTAIN, and TRIANGLE all refer to yoga poses can help solvers quickly eliminate any words that might not fit this specific activity. In the case of the PURPLE group, identifying the common suffix "-FLY" in BUTTERFLY, DRAGONFLY, FIREFLY, and HORSEFLY can help solidify the connection among these words, preventing confusion with other potential associations.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to look for thematic consistency in groups and to rely on the relationships between words rather than just their surface meanings. For instance, if you notice a pattern where all words in a group can be associated with a single action or concept, it can provide a solid anchor for your categorization. Another takeaway is to consider common word parts, such as prefixes and suffixes, which often indicate a hidden connection that may not be immediately obvious. This can help streamline the process of grouping words and reduce the likelihood of misclassification.