In this puzzle, solvers often encounter difficulties when trying to identify less obvious connections between words. For example, the words 'BRUSH', 'GRAZE', 'KISS', and 'SKIM' may initially seem disparate, but they all relate to actions that involve light contact. Players may get stuck here if they focus on the physical nature of these words without considering the subtlety of their meanings. Similarly, the category 'BEAR ___' can trick players; while 'HUG' and 'WITNESS' might seem like valid fits at first glance, it’s crucial to focus on common phrases and idioms, which is where 'CLAWS' and 'FRUIT' clearly belong. This highlights the importance of considering context and common usage in language when solving categories.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should look for strong thematic connections among the words. In the case of the 'KINDS OF NUMBERS', all four words—'ODD', 'PERFECT', 'PRIME', and 'WHOLE'—clearly belong to mathematical classifications, which makes this grouping easy to identify. On the other hand, 'BEAR ___' might initially seem straightforward, but solvers need to verify if each word can form a commonly recognized phrase. This method of validating connections can help eliminate potential misgroupings and lead to a more efficient solving process.

A useful heuristic for players is to always look for thematic consistency in groups. If a group feels like it could belong to multiple categories, take a moment to consider the most common or recognized associations. Another takeaway is to think about idiomatic expressions or phrases; many words in puzzles relate to common sayings rather than just their definitions. This approach can often reveal connections that are not immediately obvious and help solvers progress more smoothly through the puzzle.