Crossclimb #599 Answer – December 20, 2025
COPPERPLATED
Answer
COPPERPLATED
Solution: This refers to a helicopter, which is commonly abbreviated as 'copter.' It's a familiar mode of transport, especially in places with helipads.
Solution: A coater is a machine designed to apply a liquid coating, like paint, evenly onto surfaces—think about how car paint jobs are done.
Solution: A crater is a large, bowl-shaped cavity left by an explosion or the impact of an object, often associated with moons or planets.
Solution: To be crated means to be packaged or boxed up for shipping or storage, usually for protection during transit.
Solution: This means to talk excessively about trivial matters, often in a tedious manner, derived from the word 'prate' which is about idle chatter.
Combo Clue
“A hyphenated word meaning clad in metal sheets used for engraving”
📖 How I Solved It
I dove into Puzzle #599 with high hopes, especially when I saw the combo clue about being clad in metal sheets. It immediately made me think of 'copper,' and I felt pretty confident. However, the trickiest clue was definitely 'PRATED.' I went back and forth trying to think of something that fit, and I even guessed 'ranted' at one point, which didn't mesh with the rest of the words. But then, I finally remembered the term 'prate' from a book I read ages ago. That was my big 'aha moment!' Once I got that, everything else fell into place. The word ladder made for a fun progression, moving from 'COPPER' to 'COPTER' to all those other words. It was satisfying to see how they all connected, culminating in 'COPPERPLATED.' Definitely a challenge, but I loved it!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Keep a list of potential synonyms for the combo clue; it can really help narrow down your options.
- •Don’t overlook shorter words in the ladder; they can often provide the key to unlocking the trickiest clues.
- •If you hit a wall, take a break and come back with a fresh perspective—sometimes the answer will pop into your head!