In the puzzle, solvers often find themselves stuck when trying to identify the yellow group, which consists of words that denote ostentatious behavior. Terms like "grandstand," "posture," "showboat," and "swagger" may seem similar at first glance, but solvers might confuse them with words that carry less flamboyant connotations or that relate to confidence rather than ostentation. Another common pitfall occurs in the purple group, where terms like "law," "medicine," "self-care," and "witchcraft" can lead to confusion. Solvers might struggle to distinguish between professional practices and personal development practices, which can lead them to misgroup the terms based on their own associations with the words rather than their specific meanings.

To effectively distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, solvers should focus on the core meanings of the words rather than surface-level associations. For example, when considering the green group, which includes words like "fine," "hunky-dory," "OK," and "swell," solvers should recognize that all these terms convey a sense of positivity and satisfaction. In contrast, words that suggest neutrality or a lack of strong affirmation should be set aside. Similarly, when analyzing the blue group, it's crucial to identify the common theme of types of bracelets rather than getting distracted by unrelated jewelry terms that may seem fitting at first.

One useful heuristic for future puzzles is to group words by their core functions or themes. For instance, if you notice that a set of words all relate to a specific type of behavior or practice, it's likely they belong together. Another strategy is to eliminate words that don't fit a distinct theme; if a word seems out of place, it often indicates that it belongs to a different group. By applying these strategies, solvers can enhance their grouping skills and navigate future puzzles with greater confidence.