Crossclimb #586 Answer – December 7, 2025
FISHFOWL
Answer
FISHFOWL
Solution: This refers to a tightly closed hand, often associated with strength or determination.
Solution: This means to refrain from eating for a set period, commonly associated with religious practices or health regimens.
Solution: This is part of the phrase 'fait accompli', meaning something that has already been decided or done.
Solution: This refers to performing poorly on a test or task, often in an academic context.
Solution: This is a type of metal wrap used in cooking, especially for preserving food or cooking in the oven.
Combo Clue
“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”
📖 How I Solved It
I sat down with Puzzle #586 and my first impression was that the combo clue was pretty intriguing. "Neither ___ nor ___" immediately made me think of common pairings, but I wasn't sure how it linked to animals. The trickiest clue for me was definitely 'FAIT', because I couldn't quite recall the phrase 'fait accompli'. I got stuck trying to think of other possible words. After a few frustrating minutes and a wrong guess of 'FAKE', it hit me! 'FOWL' was the perfect counterpart to 'FISH'. That was my 'aha moment'—I could finally see how they fit together! The word ladder felt smooth once I had those two locked in. I rattled off the other words, and before I knew it, I had the whole puzzle solved. It felt great to unravel that combo clue after my initial confusion!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Focus on the combo clue first; it can guide your thinking for the ladder.
- •Be open to exploring less obvious words that might connect with the clues.
- •Don't hesitate to jot down any guesses, even if they seem off at first.