Crossclimb #646 Answer – February 5, 2026
BORNBRED
Answer
BORNBRED
Combo Clue
“___ and ___ (phrase referring to where one’s childhood took place)”
📖 How I Solved It
I really enjoyed tackling puzzle #646! The combo clue, '___ and ___', threw me for a bit. I kept thinking of phrases related to childhood, and my mind kept drifting toward 'home sweet home' or something similar. It wasn't until I finally remembered 'born and bred' that the light bulb went off. I did make a few wrong guesses along the way, trying out terms like 'nurtured' before realizing that was way off base. The word ladder was pretty fun, but I got stuck on 'BERN' for a while because I didn't know it was the capital of Switzerland. I felt embarrassed when I finally connected it to 'burn'! Overall, though, it was a satisfying solve once I pieced everything together.
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Focus on the combo clue first—it can really guide your path through the word ladder.
- •If you get stuck, try saying the clues out loud; sometimes it helps the answers click.
- •Don't rush through the word ladder; take your time with each word to spot the connections.