Mastering LinkedIn CrossClimb #586: Step-by-Step Solution & Strategy for December 7, 2025

LinkedIn CrossClimb puzzle #586, published on December 7, 2025, challenges players to create a word ladder by changing exactly one letter at a time to solve each clue and reach a final compound phrase. This blog post breaks down the solution, explains the reasoning behind each word, and offers strategy tips for conquering this unique word puzzle.

What is LinkedIn CrossClimb? It’s a daily word puzzle game where players guess words based on clues, then arrange them into a chain called a word ladder. Each consecutive word differs from the previous by only one letter. After finding all intermediate words, a final compound clue reveals the top and bottom answers. The key is logical reasoning combined with vocabulary skills.

Step-by-Step Solution for #586

1. Hint 1: "Tightly closed hand"
   The answer is FIST. A fist is a hand clenched tightly. It’s a common, straightforward word and a perfect start for the ladder.
2. Hint 2: "Refrain from eating for a period of time"
   Changing one letter in FIST to get the next word that means to abstain from food leads to FAST. This is a classic word related to dieting or religious observance.
3. Hint 3: "___ accompli (done deed)"
   We change one letter from FAST to form FAIT. This French phrase overlay means a deed completed—"fait accompli". While slightly less common, it’s a known phrase often used in English contexts.
4. Hint 4: "Do terribly on, as a school exam"
   Changing one letter in FAIT gives FAIL, perfectly matching the clue. Someone who does badly on an exam fails.
5. Hint 5: "Metal wrap used in the kitchen"
   A one-letter change from FAIL leads to FOIL. Aluminum foil is a common kitchen metal wrap.

Final Compound Question and Answers

After solving the ladder, the final compound question is: "Two words that complete the phrase 'Neither ___ nor ___' (meaning 'difficult to classify'). The first describes some animals that swim, the other describes some animals that fly."

"Neither fish nor fowl" is an English idiom meaning something is hard to categorize. Here, FISH (swimming animals) and FOWL (flying birds) complete the phrase logically.

How to Approach These Puzzles

• Start With Easy Clues: Identify clues with obvious answers to anchor your ladder (e.g., FIST, FAIL).
• Focus on One-Letter Changes: Each step must differ by a single letter with no rearranging of letters.
• Use Common and Valid Words: The puzzle favors dictionary-recognized words and familiar phrases.
• Consider Vowels and Consonants Changes: Vowel swaps often provide smooth transitions (e.g., FIST → FAST → FAIT).
• Check for Phrases or Idioms: The compound question is often a phrase that connects the top and bottom words.

Keywords for this solution: LinkedIn CrossClimb, Word Ladder, Puzzle Solution, December 7 2025, #586, Word Puzzle, Logical Reasoning, One Letter Change, Neither Fish nor Fowl, Daily LinkedIn Game