LinkedIn Pinpoint Answer for August 17, 2025
LINKEDIN PINPOINT CLUES
August 17, 2025
Square
Line
Break
Tap
Ballet
Clue Meanings Explained
Square
On its own, this is a bit of a "red herring" clue. Most people immediately think of geometry, four equal sides, or even a public town square. However, in the context of this puzzle, it refers to a traditional folk dance where four couples form a square shape to perform synchronized movements.
Line
This is another geometric term that can mean a long, narrow mark or a row of people. When paired with the theme, it refers to a choreographed dance where a group of people dances in one or more rows, all facing the same direction and executing the steps at the same time.
Break
Usually, this word implies a pause, a fracture, or a rest period. In the world of movement, however, it represents an athletic style of street dance that originated in African American and Puerto Rican communities, characterized by floorwork, power moves, and "freezes."
Tap
This word typically describes a light strike or the hardware on a sink. In this specific category, it refers to a percussive dance style where the performer wears shoes equipped with metal plates, using their feet like drums to create complex rhythmic patterns.
Ballet
This is the "giveaway" clue. It refers to a highly technical and artistic form of performance dance that originated during the Italian Renaissance. It is known for its grace, precision, and formalized steps, often telling a story through movement and music.
Hey there! If you jumped into today's LinkedIn Pinpoint and felt a little bit like you were spinning in circles, you aren't alone. This puzzle was a classic example of how the game likes to lead you down one path before completely pivoting your perspective. As an analyst who looks at these puzzles daily, I love how this specific set of clues transitions from abstract shapes to a very specific rhythmic category. Let’s dive deep into the mechanics of today’s puzzle and see how the logic unfolded.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the clue Square, my brain went straight to "Shapes." I was thinking maybe the category would be "Geometry" or perhaps "Common Words for Boring People." It was a very broad starting point, and I didn't want to commit to an answer just yet because Pinpoint is famous for starting with the most ambiguous word possible.
Then came Line. Now, "Square" and "Line" together really reinforced that geometry or math vibe. I almost typed in "Geometric Terms" or "Drawing Tools." But then I paused. I thought about "Square Dance" and "Line Dance." It was a small spark of an idea, but it felt a little too early to be sure. I decided to wait for the third clue to see if it would break the tie between math and movement.
The third clue was Break. This was the turning point. "Break" has nothing to do with basic geometry in a way that fits "Square" and "Line." However, "Breakdance" is a massive cultural phenomenon. At this point, the "Dance" theme was about 80% confirmed in my mind. I had Square (dance), Line (dance), and Break (dance). The logic was starting to hold water, but I wanted to see if the next clue would keep the rhythm going.
When Tap appeared, the puzzle was essentially solved. Tap dancing is a staple of the performing arts. By the time I reached Ballet, it was just a victory lap. Ballet is so synonymous with the word "dance" that it removed any lingering doubt. I went from thinking about math problems to thinking about choreography in the span of about three clues. It’s a perfect example of how the puzzle-makers use "bridge words" that fit into multiple categories to keep you guessing early on.
Lessons Learned From Today's Pinpoint Solution
Beware of the "Geometry Trap": Words like Square, Line, and Point are often used in Pinpoint to make you think of math or shapes, but they almost always end up being part of a compound phrase or a specific sub-genre like dance or music.
Look for Compound Word Potential: When you see a single word, try adding "Dance," "Work," or "Back" to the end of it. In this case, adding "Dance" to the first four clues immediately revealed the hidden connection.
The Third Clue is the Pivot: Usually, clues one and two are designed to be ambiguous. Clue three is typically where the "true" theme reveals itself by excluding the most obvious early guesses. Always treat the third clue as the most important piece of evidence.
Don't Rush the First Clue: It is very tempting to guess "Shapes" after seeing "Square," but in Pinpoint, the first clue is rarely that literal. Patience pays off in keeping your "perfect" streak alive.
Expert Q&A
Why was "Ballet" saved for the final clue instead of "Square"?
Pinpoint is designed to increase in specificity. "Square" has dozens of meanings (geometry, personality, tools), making it a difficult starting point. "Ballet" has only one primary meaning, so placing it last ensures that players can definitely solve the puzzle even if they struggled with the earlier, more vague clues.
Could "Line" have referred to something else in this context?
In a different puzzle, "Line" could have been grouped with "Hook" and "Sinker" for fishing, or "Script" and "Stage" for acting. Its meaning is entirely dependent on the clues surrounding it, which is why waiting for the third clue is such a vital strategy.
Is "Break" considered a formal type of dance like Ballet?
Absolutely. In the context of this puzzle, "Types of dances" is a broad umbrella. While Ballet is a classical performance art and Breakdancing is a street-style dance (now even included in the Olympics), they both fall under the categorical definition of rhythmic movement to music.
What is the best strategy for solving a Pinpoint with only two clues?
The best strategy is to look for a "hidden" commonality. If