CrossClimb #859: Start-to-Finish Ladder Logic

CrossClimb #859: Start-to-Finish Logic

This one is a clean ladder climb with a satisfying finish. Every step changes just one letter, and the clues do the heavy lifting if you stay alert to sound, meaning, and spelling.

Step 1: POKES

The first clue, “Gives a hello on Facebook”, points to POKES. That is the starting word, and it fits the social-media meaning exactly.

Step 2: POLES

Move from POKES to POLES by swapping K for L. The clue “People from Warsaw” locks in POLES, since Warsaw is in Poland.

Step 3: PALES

Now swap O for A to go from POLES to PALES. The clue “That ___ in comparison” is the classic phrase pales in comparison.

Step 4: PARES

Next, swap L for R to turn PALES into PARES. The clue “Cuts the peel off a potato with a special knife” describes what a peeler does, and PARES is the matching word form.

Step 5: FARES

Swap P for F to reach FARES. The clue “Costs paid to ride buses” is straightforward: bus fares.

The Final Compound Pair

The finish asks for a two-word phrase describing expressions that reveal no intent. The answer is the familiar POKER FACES.

Here is the connection that ties the whole puzzle together: the ladder has been quietly preparing the final image. POKES opens the chain, and the last word FARES lands on a term that can also sound like a facial expression word when the puzzle pivots to a phrase. The final answer is not a ladder step itself, but a compound expression built from two common words that describe blank, unreadable expressions.

Why the finish works

• POKES becomes POLES by swapping K to L.
• POLES becomes PALES by swapping O to A.
• PALES becomes PARES by swapping L to R.
• PARES becomes FARES by swapping P to F.

The real payoff is that every clue is precise, and every transition is only one letter away. That makes the ladder feel fair, fast, and elegant. Once the midpoint clicks, the final compound answer lands with a neat, classic finish.