Crossclimb #555 Answer – November 6, 2025
SIDEKICK
Answer
SIDEKICK
Solution: Opposite of narrow, providing a clue toward the companion’s expansive nature.
Solution: Refers to types of wine, which might seem off-topic but helps build the ladder.
Solution: This is a straightforward math clue; the square root of eighty-one is nine.
Solution: Describes a positive trait, hinting at the friendly nature of the companion.
Solution: This phrase helps to create urgency, just like a sidekick often does in stories.
Combo Clue
“Compound word for a close companion in an adventure, like Sancho Panza to Don Quixote.”
📖 How I Solved It
I tackled puzzle #555 on a chilly November morning, and let me tell you, it wasn’t smooth sailing at first. The combo clue about a close companion in an adventure had me scratching my head. I thought of a few names but couldn’t connect the dots until I remembered Sancho Panza. Once I hit on SIDEKICK, the rest fell into place. The word ladder gave me more trouble than I expected. I got stuck between NINE and NICE for a bit and guessed NINE as something else entirely—turns out I was mixing it up with a totally different puzzle. But once I sorted that out, it was pretty straightforward. It’s always satisfying when the pieces click into place, even if it takes a while to get there!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Pay attention to the context in the combo clue; it can lead you straight to the answer.
- •Try to visualize the connections in the word ladder; it helps to see how one word can lead to another.
- •Don’t hesitate to write down your guesses; sometimes seeing them on paper sparks new ideas.