In this puzzle, solvers often get stuck when they encounter words that could fit into multiple categories, especially when they lack familiarity with specific terms or concepts. For example, the words "AGENT" and "MOLE" may confuse players as they both relate to espionage but could also be interpreted in broader contexts. Similarly, the terms "FOOT" and "METER" can be challenging because they might be associated with both poetry and measurement, leading to hesitation in categorizing them correctly. This ambiguity can result in incorrect groupings and wasted attempts, making it crucial for solvers to focus on the most contextually relevant meanings of the words at hand.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should look for clear thematic connections among the words. In the case of the yellow group, all terms are directly related to intelligence operations and espionage, which helps solidify their categorization. In contrast, words like "LINE" and "VERSE" both relate to poetry but do not share the same connotation as the other potential groups. Identifying such thematic ties can help solvers quickly discard words that do not fit and focus on those that do. Moreover, recognizing that some terms will have very specific meanings in their respective categories can aid in avoiding misgrouping.

One useful heuristic for solvers is to always consider the primary context of each word. For example, when encountering a term that could fit into multiple categories, ask whether it is primarily used in one context over another. Additionally, grouping words based on core themes rather than surface-level similarities can help clarify the distinctions between categories. This approach can be applied to future puzzles, where players may encounter similarly ambiguous words that require deeper analysis to categorize effectively.