LinkedIn CrossClimb #657 Solution: Crack Today's Word Puzzle (February 16, 2026)

LinkedIn CrossClimb #657 challenges players to climb a word ladder, changing one letter at a time while matching clever clues. This daily brain teaser from LinkedIn Games combines logic, vocabulary, and pattern recognition. Keywords: CrossClimb answer today, LinkedIn CrossClimb solution, Question ID 657, published February 16, 2026.

How CrossClimb Works: Quick Rules Recap

In LinkedIn CrossClimb, start with the bottom word and ascend to the top by swapping exactly **one letter** per step. Each rung has clues to guide you. Solve the ladder to unlock the compound question for top and bottom answers. All words share the same length (here, 4 letters). Pro tip: Tackle obvious clues first, then chain one-letter swaps.

Step-by-Step Solution for CrossClimb #657

Let's break down each hint, reveal the answer, and show the one-letter change. The ladder builds sequentially upward.

Hint 1: Small hole or opening in the skin

This refers to a tiny pore on your face or body that secretes oil. Answer: PORE. It's the foundation—common word, fits perfectly.

Hint 2: Cut back or trim from a budget, with “down”

Think "pare down" expenses. Change one letter from PORE: swap O to A. Answer: PARE. Precise match for budget trimming.

PORE → PARE (O → A)

Hint 3: Sheet of paper in a book

A single **page** in your novel. From PARE, swap R to G. Answer: PAGE. Clean one-letter shift.

PARE → PAGE (R → G)

Hint 4: Herb that's also a synonym for "wise"

Sage is both a kitchen herb and a wise person. From PAGE, swap P to S. Answer: SAGE. Dual meaning nails the clue.

PAGE → SAGE (P → S)

Hint 5: Rescue, or store on a hard drive

"Save" the day or hit Ctrl+S. From SAGE, swap G to V. Answer: SAVE. Perfect finale for the ladder.

SAGE → SAVE (G → V)

Full Ladder Visualization

SAVE
 ↓ (G→V)
SAGE
 ↓ (P→S)
PAGE
 ↓ (R→G)
PARE
 ↓ (O→A)
PORE

Compound Question: Two related words

"The first is something a flag flies from, the second is what flags do in the breeze."

• Top (flag flies from): POLE – Like a flagpole.
• Bottom (flags do in breeze): WAVE – Flags wave gently.

These bookend the ladder, tying into the theme of movement and structure. Enter POLE at top, WAVE at bottom to complete!

Tips to Dominate Future LinkedIn CrossClimb Puzzles

• Spot easy clues: Skin opening? Instant PORE.
• Enforce one-letter rule: No skips—each step must differ by exactly one.
• Theme-spot: Compound clues often link visually (flag + breeze = POLE WAVE).
• Practice daily for LinkedIn Games streak. Check back for #658 tomorrow!

Congrats on solving CrossClimb #657! Share your time in comments. Boost your LinkedIn profile with daily puzzle wins. #LinkedInCrossClimb #WordLadder #DailyPuzzle