Crossclimb #558 Answer – November 9, 2025
CLOSESHAVE
Answer
CLOSESHAVE
Solution: This means to select from a list, and it's a simple switch from CLOSE.
Solution: This question of support can lead you to think about alliances and ownership.
Solution: This word means entire, and it's easy to see how it fits in after WHOSE.
Solution: These large marine mammals are iconic and a fun word to jump to from WHOLE.
Solution: An anagram of LEASH, this sedimentary rock helps transition smoothly to SHAVE.
Combo Clue
“Two-word phrase meaning a near miss (or what you get if you remove a beard with a very sharp razor).”
📖 How I Solved It
I had a bit of a rough start with puzzle #558. The combo clue about a 'near miss' really threw me for a loop at first. I kept thinking about phrases but couldn't quite connect it to any specific words. I even guessed something silly like 'NARROW ESCAPE' before realizing it had to be something shorter. Once I got 'CLOSE,' things started to click, but I had a hard time figuring out the word ladder. I stumbled at 'WHOSE' for a bit and had to remind myself of that question of support. After a couple of wrong turns, I finally made it down to 'SHAVE' and felt that rush of relief. The whole thing ended with a perfect pun, which I love!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Start with the words you know and build off them; it really helps with the ladder.
- •Don't be afraid to guess; sometimes you just need to throw something out there to get the ball rolling.
- •Keep an eye on the definitions; they can lead you straight to the answers.