The correct solution was “I DID MY HOMEWORK.” Connor tried to work through the remaining letters but could not solve the puzzle before time ran out. When the answer was revealed, he jokingly said that he did not do homework anymore. Missing the solution meant he lost the $40,000 Bonus Round prize, although he still finished with $19,080 in cash and a six-day whale-watching cruise to Baja California.
The puzzle immediately divided viewers online. Some argued that “I did my homework” was simply an ordinary sentence rather than the kind of recognizable phrase they expected under the category “Phrase.” Others defended the show, pointing out that the expression can be used figuratively to mean someone researched or prepared carefully before making a decision.
The debate became another example of how Wheel of Fortune puzzles can appear easy once the solution is known but feel much more difficult under the pressure of a countdown. Connor accepted the loss with humor, while viewers continued arguing over whether the puzzle was fair. The moment ultimately became memorable not because of an unusual mistake, but because one simple sentence left audiences completely divided over what should count as a “phrase.”
