LinkedIn PinpointAnswer & Solution
LinkedIn Pinpoint 584 Answer
LINKEDIN PINPOINT
December 5, 2025
Runways
The air
The decks
One's name
One's throat (perhaps with warm water)
Welcome to todayâs deep dive into the LinkedIn Pinpoint puzzle. As an analyst who looks at these word games every day, I can tell you that todayâs challenge was a masterclass in how a single verb can link completely different worldsâfrom aviation and naval history to personal reputation and physical health. The beauty of Pinpoint is how it forces your brain to pivot from literal meanings to idiomatic expressions. Letâs break down the clues and see how the logic unfolded.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw "Runways," my mind immediately went to the world of travel or maybe high fashion. I was thinking about airports, pilots, or even models walking a catwalk. At this stage, the possibilities were wide openâit could have been "Things found at an airport" or "Places people walk."
Then the second clue, "The air," popped up. This was a bit of a curveball. It fit the airport theme (planes fly in the air), but it also felt more abstract. I briefly considered "Things that are thin" or "Things that are high up," but neither felt quite right. I actually tried a guess related to "Flight," which the game rejected.
The real "Aha!" moment happened with the third clue: "The decks." As soon as I saw that, the phrase "Clear the decks" jumped into my mind. This is an old naval term for getting ready for action. I quickly looked back at the previous clues. You "clear a runway" for landing, and you "clear the air" when you want to resolve a misunderstanding or get rid of tension. The common link was definitely the verb "clear."
To be absolutely sure, I looked at the fourth clue, "One's name." This solidified it. When someone is falsely accused of a crime, they work to "clear their name." It fit the pattern perfectly. By the time the fifth clue about "One's throat" appeared, it was just a victory lap. Weâve all had to clear our throats before a speech, sometimes using warm water to help.
The connection was undeniable: every single one of these things can be "cleared."
Lessons Learned
Look for the hidden verb: In many Pinpoint puzzles, the answer isn't a category of objects, but a category of things that interact with a specific action word. If the clues seem unrelated, try placing a common verb in front of each one.
Think figuratively and literally: This puzzle mixed literal clearing (runways and throats) with metaphorical clearing (the air and one's name). Don't get stuck in one mode of thinking.
Idioms are key: Phrases like "clear the decks" or "clear the air" are staples of these puzzles. Brushing up on common English idioms can give you a massive advantage.
Don't rush the first clue: "Runways" had a dozen potential themes. Itâs almost always better to wait for the second or third clue to see the direction the puzzle is moving before burning your guesses.
Expert Q&A
Why was "warm water" mentioned in the final clue?
The parenthetical hint about warm water was a "softener" to help players realize the clue was referring to a physical sensation. While you can clear a runway with a snowplow, clearing a throat is often a biological or health-related action, and warm water is a common remedy for it.
What does the idiom "clear the decks" actually mean in a modern context?
While it started as a naval command to remove obstacles from a ship's deck before a battle, today it means to finish up minor tasks or remove distractions so you can focus on a major project or event.
Is "clear the air" always about an argument?
Usually, yes. It refers to a situation where there is unspoken tension or "thick" emotions between people. By talking openly, you "clear" that heavy atmosphere so everyone can move forward.
How does "clear one's name" differ from other clues?
This is the most "legal" or "reputational" clue of the bunch. It refers to proving someone's innocence. Itâs a great example of how the word "clear" can mean "to remove a stain or a charge."
Why is "Runways" a good starting clue for this puzzle?
Itâs a classic Pinpoint tactic. Itâs specific enough to give you a mental image (an airport) but broad enough that it doesn't give away the "clearing" theme immediately, as runways are also associated with lights, planes, and concrete.