LinkedIn PinpointAnswer & Solution
LinkedIn Pinpoint 561 Answer
LINKEDIN PINPOINT
November 12, 2025
The Underground
Double-decker buses
The Thames
Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the clue "The Underground," my mind immediately went to general transportation or perhaps urban infrastructure. I considered if the category might be "Subway Systems" or "Public Transit." However, since "The Underground" is such a specific proper noun often associated with the UK, I had a sneaking suspicion we were looking at something British-themed, but I wasn't ready to commit to a city just yet.
By the time the second clue, "Double-decker buses," appeared, the picture became much clearer. While many cities have these, the combination of the Tube and two-story buses points directly to a specific metropolitan vibe. I briefly wondered if the answer was simply "Public Transportation," but that felt a bit too generic for a Pinpoint puzzle. I decided to wait for one more clue to see if the theme would broaden or narrow.
The third clue, "The Thames," was the clincher. At this point, the theme shifted from "transportation" to a "geographical location." You can't have the Thames and the Underground without being in one specific spot on the map. I was fairly certain the answer involved London, but I needed to be careful about how to phrase itâwas it "Cities in England" or "Things in London"?
The final two clues, "Big Ben" and "Buckingham Palace," removed every shred of doubt. These are the most heavy-hitting landmarks associated with the city. Seeing these names made it obvious that the puzzle wasn't just about the UK in general, but specifically about the capital's unique identity.
After synthesizing all five cluesâthe transit, the river, and the royal landmarksâit was clear that the common thread was their undeniable connection to the city of London. I submitted the answer with confidence, knowing that each clue served as a specific pillar supporting that central theme.
Lessons Learned
Don't jump the gun on generalities. Itâs easy to see "The Underground" and think the category is "Subways." Always wait for the second or third clue to see if the theme is functional (what things do) or locational (where things are).
Identify "Anchor Clues." Landmarks like "The Thames" or "Big Ben" act as geographical anchors. Once you have an anchor, you can re-evaluate previous clues to see if they fit that specific location.
Watch for cultural icons. Pinpoint often uses symbols that are synonymous with a culture. Red buses and royal palaces are classic "cultural shorthand" for London, making them high-value clues for narrowing down the search space.
Phrasing matters. When a puzzle features landmarks, transit, and geography all from one place, the answer is almost always "Things associated with [Location]" or simply the location itself.
Expert Q&A
Why is the answer "Things associated with London" rather than just "London landmarks"?
While Big Ben and Buckingham Palace are definitely landmarks, "The Thames" is a river and "The Underground" is a transit system. The broader category of "Things associated with London" covers all these different types of clues more accurately than a narrow term like "landmarks."
Could "Double-decker buses" have referred to other cities like Hong Kong or Mumbai?
Yes, those cities use them too! However, in the context of "The Underground" and "The Thames," the puzzle uses the most famous association. Pinpoint relies on the strongest cultural link, which for double-deckers is almost always the red London bus.
Is "The Underground" the same as a "Subway"?
In terms of function, yes. However, in a word puzzle, names matter. New Yorkers call it the "Subway," Chicagoans call it the "L," and Londoners call it "The Underground" or "The Tube." Using the specific name "The Underground" was a huge hint toward the UK.
How does the Thames differ from other city rivers in puzzles?
The Thames is unique because it is so deeply tied to the identity of London. Unlike the Seine (Paris) or the Hudson (New York), the Thames is often used in trivia specifically to bridge the gap between historical clues and modern transit clues.
What is the best strategy for solving a Pinpoint with fewer than 5 clues?
The best strategy is to look for the "intersection" of the first two clues. If you have "Underground" and "Buses," look for a city that is famous for both. If the third clue confirms that city's geography, you can usually guess the answer before the 4th and 5th clues even appear.