In this puzzle, solvers may find themselves stuck when trying to categorize words that have overlapping meanings or associations. For example, the words 'TANGLE' and 'SNARE' can both connote being caught or trapped, which might lead players to confuse them with other groupings related to entrapment. Similarly, the words 'DIAMOND' and 'STEEL' both relate to hardness but can be misclassified if a solver isn't careful about the specific context of hardness they are considering. This overlap can create hesitation, especially if a solver is unsure about the distinct categories and whether they are correctly interpreting the clues provided.

To distinguish the real groups from plausible decoys, players should focus on the defining characteristics of each word rather than surface-level associations. For instance, when identifying the 'PLACES TO GET TRAPPED' category, solvers should look for words that specifically relate to physical entrapment—like 'NET' or 'WEB'—rather than those that may evoke a sense of being caught in a metaphorical context. Players should also consider the function of each word; for example, 'CUP' and 'KETTLE' clearly serve a utility in tea preparation, helping to solidify their place in the 'USED FOR TEA' category while excluding other options that might seem plausible.

One heuristic that players can carry forward is to categorize words by their primary function or definition first before considering broader associations. This method can streamline the grouping process and help avoid potential pitfalls caused by synonymous or related meanings. Another useful strategy is to create a mental checklist of key features that define each group, allowing solvers to cross-reference words against these features, making it easier to identify which words belong together and which do not.