Crossclimb #597 Answer – December 18, 2025

TAILSPIN

Answer

TAILSPIN

TAILTOP
MAIL
Letters and packages

Solution: This refers to the delivery system for letters and packages, which is a common concept.

MAID
___ Marian, heroine in the Robin Hood legend in English folklore

Solution: Maid Marian is a character from the Robin Hood legend, often depicted as a heroic figure.

SAID
"As I've ___ before ..."

Solution: This phrase is often used to reference something previously mentioned or stated.

SKID
Lose traction, as on an icy road

Solution: In this context, it describes the loss of traction, especially when driving on slippery surfaces.

SKIN
Outer covering

Solution: This refers to the outer layer of the body, serving as a protective covering.

SPINBOTTOM

Combo Clue

Compound word meaning to go out of control, like a spiraling, plunging airplane

📖 How I Solved It

I dove into Puzzle #597 this morning, and my first impression was that it looked pretty straightforward. The combo clue about 'going out of control' immediately had me thinking, but the tricky part was definitely the word ladder. I got stuck on MAID for a bit, trying to remember who exactly she was. I even guessed 'Queen' at one point, but that was a total miss! My 'aha moment' came when I finally connected MAID to Maid Marian — it felt like the final piece falling into place. From there, the rest of the ladder seemed to flow naturally, and I couldn't help but smile when I landed on TAILSPIN. It's such an interesting word, and it perfectly matched the clue. Overall, it was a fun challenge that kept me on my toes!

💡 Tips for This Puzzle

❓ FAQ

The Crossclimb answer for December 18, 2025 (#597) is TAILSPIN. The complete word ladder is: TAIL → MAIL → MAID → SAID → SKID → SKIN → SPIN.