Puzzle #717
Crossclimb
Spoiler-light hints, full ladder, and final answer for LinkedIn Crossclimb
Apr 17, 2026
Updated 1:00 AM PT
Final answer
TIMELOCK
Top word
TIME
Bottom word
LOCK
TIME
Measured hours and minutes
MIME
Performer who doesn't say anything
MINE
Where coal or jewels might come from
MINK
Relative of the otter and weasel
LINK
Something you click to go to another website
LICK
One quick taste of a lollipop
LOCK
A device that secures something shut
The final phrase for Crossclimb #717 is TIMELOCK.
Hint Path
- Think about a security device that opens only at a certain moment.
- The ladder starts with a clock word and ends with a safe word.
- Middle words include a silent performer, a fur animal, and something you click online.
Full Ladder
TIME -> MIME -> MINE -> MINK -> LINK -> LICK -> LOCK
This is the sort of ladder that looks strange in the middle until LINK and LOCK come into focus. After that, the path snaps together.