In this puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck when trying to categorize words that could fit multiple themes. For example, the words "DISCO" and "LOUNGE" may initially appear to fit into a broader nightlife category, but they can confuse players who might be trying to force them into other categories like units of length or actions. Similarly, the words in the GREEN group—"DITCH," "DROP," "LOSE," and "SHED"—can be tricky because they all relate to the concept of getting rid of something, yet players may struggle to see how they fit together as a coherent set. This kind of ambiguity can lead to misgrouping, which is a common pitfall in these puzzles.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from the plausible decoys, solvers should look for shared characteristics that clearly define each category. For instance, the YELLOW group is distinctly related to nightlife venues, which can help eliminate words that don't belong in that context. When considering the PURPLE group, players should focus on the context of sales; terms like "BAKE" and "GARAGE" are explicitly tied to specific types of sales events, while "CLEARANCE" and "SAMPLE" also convey the idea of a sale but in different contexts. This careful consideration of context will help solvers avoid mixing words that superficially seem related but belong to different categories.

One effective heuristic for solvers is to identify the dominant theme of each word as soon as possible and group them accordingly. For example, if you see a word associated with a specific action or venue, jot it down in a mental or physical list to see if other words can fit into that same category. Another useful strategy is to think about the relationships between words; if a word seems to fit in multiple categories, consider what the majority of the remaining words suggest. This can help clarify where each word ultimately belongs and streamline the grouping process.