Crossclimb 859 Answer & Solution Guide
Answer: POKER FACES
Puzzle Overview
Today's Crossclimb puzzle #859 starts with POKER and ends with FACES. The theme clue asks for expressions that do not reveal someone's intent, and it notes that the first word may be at the bottom. Here, POKER plus FACES gives the familiar phrase poker faces.
The five middle answers are POKES, POLES, PALES, PARES, and FARES. Each rung changes one letter from the previous word while moving from POKER to FACES.
Complete Word Ladder
| Position | Word | Clue |
|---|---|---|
| Top | POKER | First half of the final two-word phrase |
| 1 | POKES | Gives a hello on Facebook using a pointing icon |
| 2 | POLES | People from Warsaw |
| 3 | PALES | "That ___ in comparison" |
| 4 | PARES | Cuts the peel off a potato with a special knife |
| 5 | FARES | Costs paid to ride buses |
| Bottom | FACES | Second half of the final two-word phrase |
Player Solution Walkthrough
Step 1: Understanding the Puzzle
The clue describes blank expressions that hide emotion or intent. That points to poker faces, so the top and bottom words are meant to combine into the final answer.
Step 2: Starting from the Top
The first clue asks for giving a hello on Facebook with an icon, which is POKES. It sits neatly after POKER by changing only the final letter.
Step 3: Building the Middle
"People from Warsaw" gives POLES. Then the phrase "That ___ in comparison" gives PALES, keeping the ladder moving with another single-letter change.
Step 4: Reaching the Bottom
To remove a peel with a special knife is to PARES. The bus-cost clue gives FARES, which then changes one letter to reach FACES.
Step 5: Answer
The full ladder is:
POKER -> POKES -> POLES -> PALES -> PARES -> FARES -> FACES
That makes the final answer POKER FACES.
Word Reference
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| POKER | A card game associated with keeping a neutral expression |
| POKES | Sends a poke or greeting on Facebook |
| POLES | People from Poland, including people from Warsaw |
| PALES | Seems less important, impressive, or serious by comparison |
| PARES | Trims away the outer layer or peel |
| FARES | Prices paid for transportation |
| FACES | Facial expressions or the front parts of heads |
FAQ
Q1: What is the answer to Crossclimb 859?
The answer is POKER FACES.
Q2: What is the full word ladder?
The full ladder is POKER -> POKES -> POLES -> PALES -> PARES -> FARES -> FACES.
Q3: How many middle answers are there?
There are five middle answers: POKES, POLES, PALES, PARES, and FARES.
Q4: Why does POKER FACES fit the clue?
Poker faces are expressions that hide feelings, plans, or intent, matching the theme clue.
Q5: What is the trickiest clue?
PARES may be the trickiest clue because it uses the verb for trimming or peeling rather than the more common word "peels."
Strategy Tips
- Use the theme clue to identify the final phrase before solving every rung.
- Check whether the top and bottom words need to be read in either order.
- Watch for plural nouns like POKES, POLES, and FARES.
- Test each rung by changing exactly one letter at a time.
- Confirm the final middle word connects cleanly to the bottom word before entering the answer.