LinkedIn CrossClimb #639 Solution: Crack the January 29, 2026 Puzzle Step by-Step

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb challenge with our detailed walkthrough for Question ID 639, published on January 29, 2026. This addictive word ladder game requires changing one letter at a time while matching clever clues. Follow our logical reasoning to climb from the starting word to the target, unlocking the compound question: a two-word phrase for a particularly vulnerable part of a system. Remember, the first word may be at the bottom!

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In CrossClimb on LinkedIn, you start with a word and transform it step-by-step into the final word by altering exactly one letter per rung. Each step has hints to guide you. Our solution ensures every change is valid, building toward the ultimate weak link reveal.

Step-by-Step Solution: Climbing the Ladder

Hint 1: A toucan has a prominent one

The answer is BEAK. Toucans are famous for their oversized, colorful beaks—a bird's prominent facial feature perfect for cracking nuts or impressing mates. Start your climb here: B E A K.

Hint 2: At one’s ___ and call

Change one letter from BEAK to get BECK. This completes the idiom "at one's beck and call", meaning completely available to serve someone. Swap the A for C: B E C K. Seamless one-letter shift!

Hint 3: Tiny kiss on the cheek

From BECK, alter the first letter to B for PECK. A peck is a quick, light kiss, often on the cheek. Now at: P E C K. Logic connects the summons (beck) to a gentle peck.

Hint 4: Tool used for breaking ice or mining for gold

Transform PECK by changing the third letter to I, yielding PICK. A pick (or pickaxe) is the classic tool for chipping ice or digging gold in mines. Ladder position: P I C K. Mining the clue leads naturally here.

Hint 5: Color that can sometimes be "hot" or "shocking"

Finally, swap the third letter from C to N for PINK. Pink describes a "hot pink" shade or the shocking flush of pink cheeks from embarrassment. Top of the climb: P I N K. You've nailed the ladder!

Compound Question: A two-word phrase for a particularly vulnerable part of a system

With the ladder complete, tackle the finale. Keep in mind: The first word may be at the bottom. Reverse your thinking! The bottom word is WEAK (imagine altering PINK down the ladder to WEAK), paired with the top as LINK. Together: weak link—the critical, fragile component in any chain or system that can cause total failure.

Bottom: WEAK
     |
     v
BEAK → BECK → PECK → PICK → PINK (LINK implied at top)
Weak Link Achieved!

Why This Works: Logical Reasoning Tips for Future Puzzles

• One-letter rule: Always verify exactly one change per step to stay valid.
• Clue connections: Hints build thematically—bird features to idioms to actions to tools to colors.
• Compound twist: "Bottom first" hints at inverting the ladder for phrases like weak link.
• Practice daily LinkedIn Games CrossClimb to sharpen your wordplay skills!

Share your solve time in the comments and check back tomorrow for the next CrossClimb solution. Level up your LinkedIn gaming streak today!