Crossclimb #596 Answer – December 17, 2025
CHINADOLLS
Answer
CHINADOLLS
Solution: This refers to the lower part of the face where beards typically grow, making it a clever play on words.
Solution: This clue hints at various types of currency, emphasizing the term's plural nature.
Solution: This describes the shape of a metal spring, which is often wound in a spiral pattern.
Solution: This refers to working hard or laboring, often to the point of exhaustion.
Solution: These are fees paid for crossing certain roads or bridges, linking to the concept of paying for passage.
Combo Clue
“A two-word plural phrase for porcelain figurines”
📖 How I Solved It
I dove into Puzzle #596 today, and my first impression was that it looked pretty straightforward with the combo clue about porcelain figurines. I thought, 'This is gonna be fun!' But then I hit a bit of a wall with the 'CHINS' clue. I struggled for a moment, thinking about where beards grow—wasn't sure if it was just face or something more specific. My 'aha moment' came when I finally connected 'CHINA' to 'DOLLS', and everything clicked! I had made a wrong guess with 'THINS' instead of 'CHINS' at first, which was frustrating, but once I got the right words in the ladder, it all fell into place. The progression from 'CHINA' to 'DOLLS' felt so satisfying, like watching a well-crafted story unfold. By the end, I was grinning at my screen, feeling pretty proud of how it all pieced together.
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Think about the relationships between the words in the ladder—sometimes the clues are all related to a common theme.
- •Don't get stuck on one word; if something doesn't fit, try to move on and come back later.
- •Use the combo clue as a guide to help you backtrack if you're stuck on a specific step.