LinkedIn Pinpoint #659 Solution Guide

LinkedIn Pinpoint puzzles challenge players to identify a single category or pattern that connects all five clues. Today's puzzle requires careful analysis of wordplay and associations. Let's break down each hint and work toward the solution.

Understanding the Hints

The five clues presented are:

• Ball
• Point
• Wheel
• Hole
• The Tail On The Donkey

At first glance, these seem like unrelated objects or concepts. However, Pinpoint puzzles rely on finding the semantic connection that unites them. The key is to think beyond literal meanings and consider wordplay, phrases, or words that can follow or precede a common term.

Analyzing Each Clue

Hint 1: Ball

When you see "Ball," think about common phrases. One phrase that immediately comes to mind is "Pinball"—a classic arcade game. This suggests we might be looking for words that can follow "pin."

Hint 2: Point

"Point" reinforces the pattern. "Pin point" is a well-known phrase meaning a specific location or detail. This further supports the hypothesis that we're seeking words that follow "pin."

Hint 3: Wheel

"Wheel" connects naturally with the phrase "pinwheel"—a spinning toy or decorative object. This clue solidifies the pattern and eliminates alternative interpretations.

Hint 4: Hole

"Hole" refers to "pinhole," a tiny opening or aperture often seen in photography and design. This continues the consistent pattern.

Hint 5: The Tail On The Donkey

This is a reference to the children's game "Pin the Tail on the Donkey," where players pin objects in place. This final clue removes any doubt about the answer.

The Solution Strategy

Effective Pinpoint solving involves layered thinking:

After Hint 1: Hypothesize that the category involves words that can follow a common word, with "pin" as a leading candidate.

After Hint 2: Your hypothesis strengthens. Both "ball" and "point" logically follow "pin" in everyday English.

After Hint 3: Confirmation arrives. "Pinwheel" is unmistakable, and the pattern becomes clear.

After Hints 4-5: The remaining clues provide additional examples and eliminate any lingering uncertainty.

The Answer

Words that come after "pin"

All five clues represent items or concepts that follow the word "pin":

• Pinball
• Pinpoint
• Pinwheel
• Pinhole
• Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Key Takeaways for Future Puzzles

This puzzle demonstrates the importance of recognizing compound words and phrases. When stuck on Pinpoint:

• Think about common phrases and idioms related to each clue
• Look for patterns in word structure—can they precede or follow a common word?
• Use each new clue to confirm or redirect your hypothesis
• Don't fixate on literal meanings; consider wordplay and associations

By applying these strategies, you'll improve your speed and accuracy on future LinkedIn Pinpoint challenges. Happy solving!