Crossclimb 842 Answer & Solution Guide
Answer: CASEWORK
Puzzle Overview
Today's Crossclimb puzzle #842 starts with CASE and ends with WORK. The theme clue asks for a compound word describing what a detective or government employee takes on, which points to CASEWORK.
The five middle answers are CASK, MASK, MARK, PARK, and PORK. The ladder moves cleanly from the case-related top word into the work endpoint, changing one letter at every step.
Complete Word Ladder
| Position | Word | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| Top | CASE | First part of the theme answer |
| 1 | CASK | Large barrel-shaped container for wine or other liquids |
| 2 | MASK | What a superhero wears to protect their other identity |
| 3 | MARK | "You're way off the ___" (far from accurate) |
| 4 | PARK | Grassy area for public enjoyment |
| 5 | PORK | Type of meat served at a pig roast |
| Bottom | WORK | Second part of the theme answer |
Player Solution Walkthrough
Step 1: Understanding the Puzzle
The clue points to something a detective or government employee takes on. CASEWORK fits that description, so CASE and WORK become the endpoints to connect.
Step 2: Starting from the Top
"Large barrel-shaped container for wine or other liquids" gives CASK. It sits right below CASE, changing only the final letter.
Step 3: Building the Middle
"What a superhero wears to protect their other identity" is MASK. From there, "You're way off the ___" leads to MARK, a familiar phrase clue that keeps the ladder moving with a one-letter change.
Step 4: Connecting to the Bottom
"Grassy area for public enjoyment" gives PARK, and "Type of meat served at a pig roast" gives PORK. The final move from PORK to WORK completes the path.
Step 5: The Answer
The full ladder is:
CASE -> CASK -> MASK -> MARK -> PARK -> PORK -> WORK
That makes the final answer CASEWORK.
Word Reference
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CASE | A matter under investigation or a container |
| CASK | A large barrel for storing liquids such as wine |
| MASK | A covering for the face or identity |
| MARK | A sign, score, or target point |
| PARK | A public green space for recreation |
| PORK | Meat from a pig |
| WORK | Labor, effort, or a task to be done |
FAQ
Q1: What is the answer to Crossclimb 842?
The answer is CASEWORK.
Q2: What is the full word ladder?
The full ladder is CASE -> CASK -> MASK -> MARK -> PARK -> PORK -> WORK.
Q3: How many middle answers are there?
There are five middle answers: CASK, MASK, MARK, PARK, and PORK.
Q4: Why do CASE and WORK make the answer?
Together they form CASEWORK, matching the clue about work handled by a detective or government employee.
Q5: What was the trickiest clue?
MARK may be the trickiest because it depends on recognizing the phrase "way off the mark."
Strategy Tips
- Solve the compound-word clue first when the endpoints clearly form a familiar term.
- Check phrase clues carefully; they often reveal exact four-letter answers.
- Verify each rung changes only one letter from the previous word.
- Use the middle transition from MASK to MARK to stay aligned with the ladder.
- Confirm the final PORK -> WORK step before entering the answer.