Crossclimb #657 Answer – February 16, 2026
POLEWAVE
Answer
POLEWAVE
Combo Clue
“Two related words: the first is something a flag flies from, the second is what flags do in the breeze”
📖 How I Solved It
I tackled puzzle #657 on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and let me tell you, the combo clue had me scratching my head! 'Something a flag flies from' and 'what flags do in the breeze' sounded so straightforward, yet I couldn't connect the dots right away. I kept thinking about complicated terms and almost guessed 'BATTERY' and 'FLAP,' which made no sense at all! Eventually, it clicked when I thought about flags; they fly from a 'POLE' and they 'WAVE' in the wind. The word ladder was much smoother sailing, though I stumbled on 'PARE'—I didn't realize it meant to cut back. Once I got my bearings, the ladder flowed into place perfectly, leading me right to 'POLEWAVE.' Overall, it felt like a mini-rollercoaster of confusion but ended up being super satisfying!
💡 Tips for This Puzzle
- •Break down the combo clue into its parts; it can help you find synonyms.
- •Don't be afraid to write down potential guesses, even if they seem off.
- •Remember that certain words often lead to related concepts—think broadly!