LinkedIn Pinpoint Answer for December 20, 2025
LINKEDIN PINPOINT CLUES
December 20, 2025
Square
Butterfly
Bowline
Half Hitch
Gordian
Clue Meanings Explained
Square
In this context, "Square" refers to one of the most basic and common ways to join two pieces of rope together. It is a simple binding knot used to secure a rope or line around an object. While we often think of it as a shape in math class, in the world of utility, it’s the foundational "Square Knot."
Butterfly
While most people immediately picture the winged insect, a "Butterfly" is actually a specific type of loop knot. It is highly valued by mountain climbers because it creates a fixed loop in the middle of a rope that can handle weight from multiple directions without slipping or jamming.
Bowline
The "Bowline" is often called the "King of Knots." It is an ancient and simple way to form a fixed loop at the end of a rope. It’s famous because it is incredibly secure when under a load, yet it remains very easy to untie even after it has been pulled extremely tight.
Half Hitch
A "Half Hitch" is a simple overhand knot where the end of the rope is brought around the main part of the rope. It’s rarely used by itself because it isn't very strong, but it serves as the building block for many more complex and secure ways of fastening things.
Gordian
This clue moves away from the hardware store and into Greek mythology. The "Gordian" knot was an impossibly intricate knot tied by King Gordius. Legend said whoever could undo it would rule Asia. Alexander the Great famously "untied" it by simply slicing it in half with his sword.
Hey there, fellow puzzle lovers! Today’s LinkedIn Pinpoint was a real treat for anyone who enjoys a mix of practical knowledge and a bit of ancient history. If you found yourself staring at these words and wondering if we were talking about geometry or biology, you weren't alone. Let’s dive deep into the mechanics of this puzzle and see how these seemingly random words weave together into a single, cohesive theme.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When the first clue, Square, popped up, my brain immediately went to "Shapes." I was thinking about geometry, or maybe even "Square Dance" or "Square Meal." It’s such a common word that it’s hard to pin down a specific category right away. I almost guessed "Four-sided objects," but I decided to wait for more info.
Then came Butterfly. This was a bit of a curveball. My first thought was "Insects," but Square and Butterfly don't really live in the same world. Then I thought about "Swimming" (the butterfly stroke), but a "square stroke" isn't a thing. I started to think about things you can "tie." You tie a butterfly bow, and you tie a square knot. This was the first "Aha!" moment where the theme of fastening or tying started to emerge.
Once Bowline appeared, the puzzle was basically solved. Unless you’re into sailing or climbing, you might not use this word every day, but it is a very specific term. A bowline is undeniably a knot. Seeing Square, Butterfly, and Bowline together confirmed that we weren't talking about shapes or bugs—we were talking about cordage.
To be safe, I waited for Half Hitch. This is a very technical term used in boating and camping. At this point, I was 100% certain. The final clue, Gordian, was just the icing on the cake. It shifted the perspective from "practical knots" to "metaphorical knots," but it fit the theme perfectly. I realized the common thread was that every single one of these is a specific method of looping or securing a line.
Lessons Learned From Today's Pinpoint Solution
Beware of Multiple Meanings: Many words in Pinpoint (like Square or Butterfly) have very common meanings that act as "distractors." Always look for a secondary or technical meaning if the primary one doesn't fit the other clues.
Identify the "Anchor" Word: In every puzzle, there is usually one word that is so specific it gives the whole game away. In this set, "Bowline" and "Half Hitch" are the anchors. If you recognize a niche term, use it to re-evaluate the simpler words.
Bridge the Gap Between Literal and Figurative: This puzzle used four very literal, practical items and one legendary, metaphorical item (Gordian). Being able to connect a physical object to a historical concept is key for higher-level puzzles.
Think About Actions: When you see a list of nouns, ask yourself: "What do I do with these?" You tie a square, you tie a butterfly, and you tie a bowline. Identifying the action (tying) leads you directly to the category (knots).
Expert Q&A
Why is the Square knot often the first one people learn?
The Square knot is a foundational binding knot because it is symmetrical and easy to remember ("left over right, then right over left"). However, it shouldn't be used for critical safety tasks because it can slip if the ropes are of different thicknesses.
Is there a difference between a "knot" and a "hitch"?
Yes, in technical terms! A knot is usually tied in the rope itself or used to join two ropes. A hitch (like the Half Hitch) is specifically used to fasten a rope to an object, like a post, a ring, or a rail.
What makes the Butterfly knot special for climbers?
The Alpine Butterfly is unique because it stays secure even if the rope is being pulled from both ends and the loop itself. Most other knots would deform or slip under that kind of multi-directional tension.
What does it mean when someone says they are "cutting the Gordian knot" in real life?
It’s a metaphor for solving a complex, long-standing problem by taking a bold, direct, and unconventional action instead of trying to untangle all the tiny details.
Are these knots still relevant in the age of modern technology?
Absolutely. While we have fancy clips and fasteners, knowing how to tie a Bowline or a Square knot is still considered a vital survival and utility skill in sailing, search and rescue, construction, and camping.