LinkedIn CrossClimb #614 Solution: Step-by-Step Guide to Solve January 4, 2026 Puzzle

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle with our detailed walkthrough for Question ID 614, published January 4, 2026. CrossClimb challenges you to guess words from clues, then rearrange them into a word ladder where each step changes exactly one letter. Once ordered, solve the compound clue for the top and bottom words to complete the climb. Let's break it down step by step, revealing answers and logical connections for this daily LinkedIn game solution.

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In CrossClimb on LinkedIn, start by solving individual clues for 5-letter words. Then, reorder rows to create a chain: each adjacent word differs by one letter, forming a ladder from start to finish. Common words only—no obscure terms. The final hyphenated compound question unlocks after proper ordering, often hinting at the ladder ends. Pro tip: Change vowels or consonants strategically, and work from anchors like unique clues.

Hint 1: Chucked

Answer: THREW

"Chucked" means tossed or hurled something forcefully. THREW perfectly fits as a 5-letter synonym for throwing, like chucking a ball. This starts strong with its T-H-R-E-W structure, common in word ladders for easy one-letter swaps.

Hint 2: “The Taming of the ___” by Shakespeare

Answer: SHREW

Shakespeare's famous comedy is The Taming of the Shrew. SHREW (a nagging woman or small mammal) matches the clue directly. Notice how it shifts from THREW: THREW → SHREW by changing the first letter T to S—one-letter change!

THREW
 ↓ (T→S)
SHREW

Hint 3: Rip to pieces

Answer: SHRED

To "rip to pieces" is to tear apart thoroughly, like shredding paper. SHRED is the precise 5-letter verb. From SHREW: SHREW → SHRED, swapping the last letter W to D. Seamless ladder step!

SHREW
 ↓ (W→D)
SHRED

Hint 4: Pulled back, as a horse does

Answer: SHIED

A horse "pulls back" in fear by shying away suddenly. SHIED (past tense of shy) captures this equestrian behavior. Connects from SHRED: SHRED → SHIED, changing R to I in the third position.

SHRED
 ↓ (R→I)
SHIED

Hint 5: Did an espionage job

Answer: SPIED

"Espionage job" means secretly watching or gathering intel. SPIED (past tense of spy) is spot-on. From SHIED: SHIED → SPIED, replacing H with P in the second spot.

SHIED
 ↓ (H→P)
SPIED

Full Word Ladder Sequence

Reorder the rows like this for the perfect CrossClimb ladder:

THREW  (Chucked)
 ↓ T→S
SHREW  (“The Taming of the ___”)
 ↓ W→D
SHRED  (Rip to pieces)
 ↓ R→I
SHIED  (Pulled back, as a horse does)
 ↓ H→P
SPIED  (Did an espionage job)

Each step validates the one-letter rule, climbing from throw to spy action. Keywords like THREW SHREW SHRED SHIED SPIED confirm the chain.

Compound Question: A hyphenated word for a type of bicycle with a few different forward gear ratios to use on hills or flat terrain. Keep in mind: The first part may be at the bottom.

After ordering, unlock the top and bottom. The hint screams three-speed bicycle—a classic bike with **three forward gears** for varied terrain. "First part may be at the bottom" flips it: Bottom: THREE (gear count), Top: SPEED (ratios). But enter as THREE-SPEED!

 THREE  (Top: unlocked)
  ...
 SPEED  (Bottom: unlocked)

Solving Tips for Future LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

• Spot anchors: Unique clues like Shakespeare titles pin words fast.
• Test swaps: Prioritize vowel changes (E↔I↔A) for common words.
• Reorder smartly: Use the hint button sparingly; try forward/backward chaining.
• Compound clues: Look for puns or reversals, like bottom-to-top here.

Share your solve time in comments! Check back daily for LinkedIn CrossClimb solutions, LinkedIn games tips, and more puzzle mastery. #CrossClimb #LinkedInGames #WordLadder #DailyPuzzles