Crossclimb #598 Answer – December 19, 2025
STATEFLAGS
Answer
STATEFLAGS
Solution: The phrase 'clean slate' refers to starting fresh and leaving behind past mistakes.
Solution: A plate is an essential item used for serving or eating food.
Solution: Airbus is a well-known aircraft manufacturer, so the clue indicates a vehicle that flies.
Solution: To hatch a scheme means to devise or create a plan, especially one that is secretive or clever.
Solution: Flans are a type of dessert, specifically a Mexican custard, often baked and served chilled.
Combo Clue
“A two-word phrase for things on poles in capitals, particularly in the USA”
📖 How I Solved It
I dove into Puzzle #598 today, and at first glance, I thought it looked pretty straightforward. The combo clue about 'things on poles in capitals' had me thinking about flags right away. However, the middle clues threw me for a loop, especially 'PLANS' – I kept misreading it as 'PLANT' and wasted a good few minutes on that wrong guess! When I finally sorted it out, I realized it was about scheming, not gardening. My 'aha moment' came when I connected 'STATE' to 'FLAGS' through that word ladder. It all clicked as I visualized flags waving in front of state buildings. Honestly, I felt a rush of satisfaction when I finally typed in 'STATEFLAGS' and hit submit. It was a rollercoaster, but that's what I love about these puzzles!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Think creatively about the clues – they might not be as direct as they seem.
- •Don't get stuck on one word; if something doesn't fit, move on and come back later.
- •Visualizing the clues can help; for this puzzle, picturing flags really tied everything together.