LinkedIn CrossClimb #627 Solution: January 17, 2026

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle (Question ID: 627, published January 17, 2026) with this complete step-by-step solution. CrossClimb challenges you to guess words from clues, rearrange them into a word ladder where each step changes exactly one letter, and unlock the compound clue for top and bottom words. Perfect for sharpening your logic and vocabulary in this addictive LinkedIn game.

How CrossClimb Works: Quick Recap

In CrossClimb, solve five clues first, then drag rows to form a chain differing by one letter per step. Finally, tackle the compound clue for the top and bottom words that fit the ladder. All words must be valid and common. Let's dive into solving #627!

Step 1: Solve the Five Clues

Guess each word based on the hint. All are 5-letter words:

• Hint 1: Practitioner of witchcraft, in folklore
  A crone is the classic hag or witch from folklore tales. Answer: CRONE
• Hint 2: Machine used when building a tall skyscraper
  A crane lifts heavy materials sky-high on construction sites. Answer: CRANE
• Hint 3: Handle rotated to turn something on
  A crank is the lever you twist, like on an old engine or fishing reel. Answer: CRANK
• Hint 4: Play a practical joke on
  To prank someone is to pull off a harmless trick. Answer: PRANK
• Hint 5: What a pirate will make you walk
  The infamous "Walk the plank!" pirate punishment. Answer: PLANK

Step 2: Build the Word Ladder

Now rearrange these into a ladder: CRONE → CRANE → CRANK → PRANK → PLANK. Check the changes:

CRONE (witch)
 ↓ (O→A)
CRANE (skyscraper machine)
 ↓ (E→K)
CRANK (rotated handle)
 ↓ (C→P)
PRANK (practical joke)
 ↓ (R→L)
PLANK (pirate walk)

Each step swaps exactly one letter, forming a perfect climb from folklore witch to pirate doom. Drag the rows using the = symbols to order them this way.

Step 3: Unlock and Solve the Compound Clue

Compound Question: Two mechanical constructions that fly.

With the ladder complete, add top and bottom:

• Top Answer: DRONE
  A drone is a remote-controlled flying machine, often used for surveillance or delivery. Fits above CRONE by changing P→D? Wait, no—top slots above the start: actually DRONE → CRONE (R→C in position 1).
• Bottom Answer: PLANE
  A plane (airplane) is the ultimate flying mechanical bird. Extends PLANK → PLANE (K→E).

Full ladder:

DRONE (flying machine)
 ↓ (R→C)
CRONE
 ↓ (O→A)
CRANE
 ↓ (E→K)
CRANK
 ↓ (C→P)
PRANK
 ↓ (R→L)
PLANK
 ↓ (K→E)
PLANE (flying machine)

The compound ties perfectly: two flying mechanical constructions bookend the puzzle!

Tips to Crush Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start with obvious clues, then test one-letter swaps.
• Work backward from unique words like pirate terms.
• Change vowels or consonants strategically—common words bridge gaps.
• If stuck, use the hint button sparingly.
• Practice daily for LinkedIn leaderboard glory!

Congrats on solving CrossClimb #627! Share your time in comments and check back for tomorrow's LinkedIn CrossClimb solution. #LinkedInGames #CrossClimb #WordLadder #DailyPuzzles