Crossclimb #593 Answer – December 14, 2025
CARBOLOADS
Answer
CARBOLOADS
Solution: This refers to Monte Carlo, known for its casinos and gambling.
Solution: This is a reference to famous figures: Carl Sagan (astronomer), Carl Jung (psychiatrist), and Carl Lewis (Olympian).
Solution: Cards are the playing pieces found in a standard deck used for various games.
Solution: To lard means to add fat to a dish, often used in cooking techniques.
Solution: Lords refer to individuals with noble titles, especially in the context of the UK’s Houses of Parliament.
Combo Clue
“A compound word that describes what a marathoner does before a race, perhaps by eating a lot of pasta”
📖 How I Solved It
I sat down to tackle Puzzle #593, and my first impression was that it seemed pretty straightforward with that combo clue about marathoners and pasta. Right away, 'CARBOLOADS' clicked in my mind, but I needed to get there step by step. The clue for 'CARLS' stumped me for a bit – I kept thinking about the wrong context, like food or drinks, instead of reaching for the famous figures in science and sports. I even guessed 'CARLY' at one point, which was definitely wrong! My 'aha moment' came when I remembered Carl Sagan and his contributions to astronomy. After that, the rest of the word ladder sort of fell into place. I love how 'LORDS' connected back to the clue about peerages; it really brought everything together. Finally, when I wrote down 'LOADS', I felt that satisfying rush of solving it. It’s always a thrill to finish a puzzle like this one!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Think about the context of the clues; sometimes they hint at something broader than the word itself.
- •Don't hesitate to break down the compound clues into parts; figuring out one part can lead you to the whole answer.
- •If you're stuck, try to visualize or draw connections between the words in the ladder; sometimes that can spark an idea.