Phrase guide

connect the dots

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To attempt to complete a puzzle in which dots on a paper must be connected in a specific order so that the joining lines form a picture.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: literally

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make connections in one's mind, in order to arrive at a more holistic understanding of a situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the children's pencil and paper puzzle "connect the dots", also known as "join the dots".

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: päästä jäljille — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • French: relier les points — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • Hungarian: levonja a következtetést — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • Polish: łączyć kropki — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • Polish: połączyć kropki — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • Portuguese: ligar os pontos — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation
  • Spanish: unir los puntos — to make connections in one's mind, arriving at a more holistic understanding of a situation