LinkedIn PinpointAnswer & Solution
LinkedIn Pinpoint 554 Answer
LINKEDIN PINPOINT
November 5, 2025
Flying
Heights
Spiders
Public speaking
Open spaces
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the word "Flying," my mind immediately went to travel or aviation. I thought the category might be something like "Modes of Transport" or maybe even "Things with Wings." It’s a very common starting point in Pinpoint where the first clue is broad enough to fit into five different boxes. I was tempted to guess "Travel," but I decided to wait for the second clue to be sure.
Then "Heights" popped up. Now, "Flying" and "Heights" together usually point toward the sky. I started thinking about "Skydiving" or maybe "Views from the Top." However, a small part of my brain whispered that these are also two of the most famous phobias. I didn't want to jump the gun yet because "Heights" could still fit into a "Geography" or "Architecture" theme.
The third clue, "Spiders," was the real game-changer for me. Spiders have nothing to do with aviation or tall buildings in a literal sense. But they have everything to do with things that make your skin crawl. At this point, the "Phobia" or "Fears" connection became the strongest lead. I realized that Flying, Heights, and Spiders are the "Big Three" when it comes to what people are afraid of.
When "Public speaking" appeared as the fourth clue, it confirmed my theory 100%. Public speaking isn't a physical object or a place; it’s a social situation that causes massive anxiety. It’s famously said that many people fear a microphone more than a spider. This moved the category from just "Phobias" to the more specific "Common fears."
By the time "Open spaces" arrived, it was just the icing on the cake. This is the classic definition of agoraphobia. Seeing all five clues together, it was clear they weren't just random things; they were a curated list of the most frequent entries on psychological surveys about human anxiety. I confidently typed in "Common fears" and got the win.
Lessons Learned
One major takeaway from today is to look for the "emotional thread" rather than just the physical one. While the first two clues were physical experiences, the later clues were conceptual. In Pinpoint, if the items don't share a physical shape or location, they likely share a human reaction or a psychological category.
Another lesson is to be patient with the first clue. "Flying" is such a "chameleon" word—it can mean insects, planes, or even time. Waiting for that third clue (Spiders) saved me from wasting a guess on "Aviation." Always look for the word that "breaks" the previous pattern to find the real theme.
Finally, today's puzzle reminds us that LinkedIn often uses "Top 10" list themes. These are things you'd find in a trivia book or a common knowledge article. When you see things that seem like they belong in a "Did you know?" infographic, you're likely looking for a category that describes a common human experience or a statistical trend.
Expert Q&A
Why was "Common fears" the answer instead of just "Phobias"?
While "Phobias" is technically accurate, "Common fears" is a more natural, everyday phrase that encompasses both clinical phobias and general anxieties like public speaking. Pinpoint often looks for the most recognizable "human" way to describe a group.
Could "Spiders" have fit into a different category if the other clues were different?
Absolutely. If the other clues were "Ants," "Beetles," and "Bees," the answer would likely be "Insects" or "Bugs." The beauty of Pinpoint is how a single word's context changes entirely based on its neighbors.
Is there a specific reason "Public speaking" was included in this list?
Yes, in the world of psychology and trivia, public speaking is consistently ranked as the number one fear in surveys, often ranking higher than death. Its inclusion is a classic "anchor" for any list involving human fears.
How do "Open spaces" and "Heights" relate to each other in this puzzle?
Both represent spatial fears (Agoraphobia and Acrophobia). They serve to balance the list by showing that fears can be about where you are, just as much as what you are doing (Flying) or what you are looking at (Spiders).
What is the best strategy when the first two clues seem to point to a specific industry like Aviation?
The best strategy is to wait. Pinpoint is designed to mislead you with the first two clues. If clue three doesn't fit the "Aviation" theme, immediately pivot your thinking to a broader psychological or social category.