connect the dots

1 of 2

phrase

: to link together logically related elements in order to draw a conclusion

trying to connect the dots in the investigation

connect-the-dots

2 of 2

adjective

con·​nect-the-dots kə-ˈnekt-ṯẖə-ˈdäts 

: done or proceeding in a series of simple and usually predictable steps

a movie with a connect-the-dots plot

Examples of connect the dots in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Their strength lies in their ability to interpret data and connect the dots across the business to unlock stability and innovation. — Jeppe Rindom, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Adjective

Enola dutifully trudges between clues and possibilities, shuffling through crime scenes and racing around shady spaces, all of this much more paint-by-numbers than connect-the-dots. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 30 June 2026

Practice matching with memory cards or coordination with connect-the-dots. — Denise Petski, Deadline, 6 Apr. 2026

But Sir Ridley Scott does not want to deliver a connect-the-dots lecture. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 22 Nov. 2024

Silliphant’s screenplay works hard to maintain tensions through connect-the-dots plot construction. — John H. Dorr, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1981, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for connect the dots

• afterthoughts
• apricots
• argonauts
• astronauts
• cosmonauts
• huguenots
• kilowatts
• megawatts
• wyandots
• allots
• boycotts
• croats