Crossclimb #686 Answer – March 17, 2026
HALFFULL
Answer
HALFFULL
Combo Clue
“At 50% capacity, like an optimist's water glass”
📖 How I Solved It
So, I sat down with puzzle #686, and right off the bat, I was stumped by the combo clue about the optimist's water glass. I thought of all sorts of phrases, but 'HALFFULL' just didn't pop into my head immediately. I actually wrote down 'HALFEMPTY' at first, thinking it fit the vibe just right. Once I realized my mistake, I switched gears and started working on the word ladder instead. I felt pretty good about the first few clues until I got to 'WELL.' I was like, 'What on earth?' I had 'BELL' down at one point, thinking it had to do with ringing in a call. It wasn't until I retraced my steps that I finally got it. The satisfaction of seeing that all come together was a relief! I definitely learned to double-check my guesses this time around.
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Take your time with the ladder; it’s all about connecting the words logically.
- •Don’t hesitate to write down any potential wrong guesses; they can lead you to the right answer later.
- •Focus on the context of the clues; sometimes the simplest answer is the right one.