LinkedIn CrossClimb #640 Solution: January 30, 2026

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle #640 with our detailed walkthrough. CrossClimb challenges you to climb from a starting word to a target by changing one letter at a time, matching clever clues along the way. Published January 30, 2026, this puzzle tests your wordplay and logic. Let's break it down step by step, revealing each answer and the one-letter shift reasoning.

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In LinkedIn Games CrossClimb, start with Hint 1's word and transform it step-by-step. Each new word differs by exactly one letter, must fit its clue perfectly, and builds toward the compound finale. No skipping or multi-letter swaps allowed—precision is key!

Step-by-Step Solution for CrossClimb #640

Hint 1: Urge along, as with a stick

The climb begins with GOAD. To "goad" means to provoke or urge forward, often pictured as prodding with a stick—like herding cattle. This 4-letter word sets the base: G-O-A-D.

Hint 2: The opposite of evil

Change one letter from GOAD to get GOOD. Swap the A for O: G-O-O-D. "Good" is the direct antonym of "evil," a classic pairing in morals and stories. Perfect one-letter shift!

Hint 3: Drippy substances

From GOOD, alter one letter to GOOS. Replace the final D with S: G-O-O-S. "Goos" refers to gooey, viscous drips—like slime or mucus. Plural fits the clue's "substances."

Hint 4: Sounds from the dairy barn

Shift GOOS by changing the first G to M for MOOS: M-O-O-S. Cows in the dairy barn make "moo" sounds, and the plural "moos" matches noisy farm vibes.

Hint 5: Items that help after a spill in the kitchen

Finally, tweak MOOS to MOPS by swapping the third O for P: M-O-P-S. "Mops" are essential for cleaning kitchen spills—swish and wipe away the mess!

Compound Question: A two-word phrase that can refer to either strategic business plans or to what a navigation app might show you.

Combine the Top Answer: ROAD and Bottom Answer: MAPS for "ROAD MAPS." In business, a "roadmap" outlines strategic plans. On apps like Google Maps, it shows your route. Dual meaning nailed!

GOAD (Urge along, as with a stick)
  ↓ (A→O)
GOOD  (The opposite of evil)
  ↓ (D→S)
GOOS  (Drippy substances)
  ↓ (G→M)
MOOS  (Sounds from the dairy barn)
  ↓ (O→P)
MOPS  (Items that help after a spill)

Compound: ROAD MAPS

Tips to Ace Future LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

• Focus on 4-letter words—most puzzles stick to this length.
• Visualize the letter grid; track positions to avoid invalid changes.
• Compound clues often play on phrases—think business + tech for LinkedIn flair.
• Stuck? Reverse-engineer from the end or test clue synonyms.

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