CrossClimb #765 Clue Ladder Explained

How the ladder works

CrossClimb #765 is built as a one-letter word ladder: each new word comes from the previous one by changing exactly one letter, while still matching its clue. The path is GOLD → GOOD → GOOS → GOES → TOES, and the final clue points to a two-word phrase that completes the puzzle.

Step 1: GOLD to GOOD

The clue for GOLD is straightforward: it is a valuable metal whose atomic symbol is Au. To reach GOOD, swap the L in GOLD for a O. That turns the metal word into a word meaning better than average, but not yet great.

Step 2: GOOD to GOOS

Now the word shifts by one letter again. Swap the D in GOOD for S to get GOOS. The clue sticky substances points to this plural form, as in gooey residue.

Step 3: GOOS to GOES

Here the swap is the third letter: change O to E. That gives GOES, which fits the clue “Here ___ nothing!” The phrase is the familiar expression Here goes nothing!, used when taking a chance despite expecting a likely miss.

Step 4: GOES to TOES

Swap the first letter, G, to T. That produces TOES, matching the clue Parts of a footprint. Toes are the forward end of a foot, and in footprints they are the toe marks at the front.

How the final compound clue fits

The last prompt asks for a two-word phrase meaning small pegs used to raise balls off the ground before the first shot on a hole. That definition points to GOLF TEES.

This works as the puzzle’s payoff because the whole climb has been steering you through short, flexible words until the final answer lands on a familiar compound noun. GOLF identifies the sport, and TEES names the small supports used to start a hole. Together, they complete the puzzle with a clean, idiomatic phrase.

The full climb

GOLD swap L to O → GOOD swap D to S → GOOS swap O to E → GOES swap G to T → TOES

From there, the compound answer resolves to GOLF TEES.