LinkedIn CrossClimb #642 Solution: February 1, 2026 - Complete Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Conquer today's LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle (Question ID: 642, published February 1, 2026) with this detailed guide. CrossClimb challenges you to climb from a starting word to a target by changing one letter at a time, matching clues for each rung. We'll break down every hint, reveal the word ladder, and crack the compound question for the top and bottom words. Perfect for daily LinkedIn Games solvers!

Understanding CrossClimb Rules

In CrossClimb, build a ladder where each word differs by exactly one letter from the previous. Solve clues for intermediate words, then tackle the final two-word phrase connecting the top (**SHEDS**) and bottom (**TEARS**). Logical connections and letter positions are key—no wild guesses allowed.

Step-by-Step Hint Solutions & Word Ladder

Here's the precise ladder for #642, with reasoning for each transformation:

1. Hint 1: What plants grow from
   Answer: SEEDS
   Plants sprout from these tiny starters—straightforward biology clue.
2. Hint 2: Oozes out
   Answer: SEEPS
   Change the last letter D→P: Water or liquid slowly **seeps** through cracks.
3. Hint 3: Sounds made by tiny birds
   Answer: PEEPS
   Shift first S→P: Baby chicks or small birds make high-pitched **peeps**.
4. Hint 4: A jury of one’s ___ (a legal concept dating to the Magna Carta)
   Answer: PEERS
   Swap second E→E (wait, third letter P→R): "Jury of one's **peers**" ensures fair trial equals.
5. Hint 5: Bell-shaped fruits, including Anjou, Bosc, and Conference varieties
   Answer: PEARS
   Final shift: Last R→S? Wait, PEERS to PEARS swaps last S→A? No—PEERS (P-E-E-R-S) to PEARS (P-E-A-R-S), changing third E→A. These are classic **pear** varieties.

Full Ladder: SEEDS → SEEPS → PEEPS → PEERS → PEARS
Each step changes exactly one letter, fitting all clues perfectly.

Compound Question: A two-word phrase for what someone who chops an onion does sometimes

Top Answer: SHEDS TEARS
Bottom Answer: TEARS
Chopping onions makes eyes water—you **shed tears**! This clever phrase links the ladder: **SHEDS** slots above (S-H-E-D-S, one letter from SEEDS?), and **TEARS** below PEARS (twist on pears/tears pun). The puzzle crowns with this emotional duo.

Top: SHEDS
     |
SEEDS → SEEPS → PEEPS → PEERS → PEARS
     |
Bottom: TEARS

Tips to Master Future CrossClimb Puzzles

• Start with obvious clues (like SEEDS) and test one-letter changes.
• Track positions: e.g., SEEDS to SEEPS keeps SEE-, alters DS→PS.
• Compound clues often pun on ladder words (onions → tears/pears).
• Practice daily LinkedIn Games for pattern recognition.

Share your solve time in comments! Check back for tomorrow's CrossClimb #643 solution. #LinkedInGames #CrossClimb #WordPuzzle #DailyPuzzle