LinkedIn Pinpoint Answer for December 31, 2025
LINKEDIN PINPOINT CLUES
December 31, 2025
Tag
Bowl
Brush
Collar
Leash
Clue Meanings Explained
Tag
A small piece of plastic, metal, or paper that is attached to something to give information about it, such as a price, a name, or an address.
Bowl
A round, deep dish or basin used for holding food or liquid, typically open at the top and used for eating or serving.
Brush
A tool with a handle and a block of bristles, wire, or other hair-like material, used for cleaning, smoothing, or grooming.
Collar
A band of leather, nylon, or metal that is fastened around the neck of an animal, especially a dog or cat, for control or identification.
Leash
A strap, cord, or chain attached to the collar or harness of an animal to lead it or keep it under control while walking.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When I first saw the word Tag, my mind went in a dozen different directions. In the world of Pinpoint, the first clue is often the most ambiguous. I initially thought about retail—like a price tag—or maybe even "Tag" the playground game. It was a broad start, and without more context, I couldn't narrow it down. I actually took a wild guess at "Games you play at recess," which, of course, was wrong.
Then the second clue, Bowl, popped up. This changed the landscape immediately. Now I had "Tag" and "Bowl." My brain shifted toward kitchen items or perhaps sports. I thought about the "Super Bowl" and "Tag" football. I almost entered "Sports terms," but something felt off. "Bowl" is such a common household object that it felt like we were looking for something more domestic.
The third clue, Brush, was the real turning point. When you look at "Tag," "Bowl," and "Brush" together, you start to see a pattern of maintenance or care. I started thinking about hair care or maybe painting, but "Tag" didn't fit those very well. However, if you think about a "Brush" used for grooming and a "Bowl" used for feeding, the image of a pet starts to form in the back of your mind.
Once Collar appeared as the fourth clue, the lightbulb finally stayed on. A collar with a tag? A bowl for water? A brush for fur? It was clearly about animals. The only question left was whether it was specifically about cats or dogs. I waited for the final clue just to be certain and to make sure I had the right phrasing for the category.
The final clue, Leash, sealed the deal. While some people walk cats on leashes, it is the quintessential accessory for a dog. Putting it all together—the identification tag, the food bowl, the grooming brush, the neck collar, and the walking leash—it became obvious. These aren't just "dog things"; they are the specific "Things a dog owner needs" to take care of their pup.
Lessons Learned From Today's Pinpoint Solution
* Don't ignore the "ID" factor: In many puzzles, "Tag" and "Collar" are paired to represent identification. When you see these two together, think about things that need to be labeled or tracked, which often leads to pets or luggage.
* Context evolves with every word: A "Bowl" can be a kitchen item, a sports event, or a pet supply. Never commit to a category until you have at least three clues that all fit the same specific theme.
* Think about the "User": Sometimes the answer isn't just the object itself (like "Dogs"), but the person who uses them. Recognizing that these are items for an "owner" helps you get that perfect score by being more specific with your answer.
* Watch out for multi-use tools: "Brush" is a classic distractor because it applies to art, hygiene, cleaning, and grooming. When you see a word with that many meanings, look for the other clues to "lock" it into a specific lane.
Expert Q&A
Why was the answer "Things a dog owner needs" instead of just "Dogs"?
Pinpoint often looks for the relationship between the items rather than just a general theme. While all these items relate to dogs, they are specifically physical tools and accessories that a human must acquire to care for the animal, making "dog owner needs" the more precise category.
Could "Bowl" and "Tag" have referred to a different category?
Absolutely. On their own, they could have pointed toward "Kitchen Sales" (price tags on dishes) or even "College Football" (Bowl games and player tags). The beauty of the game is how the later clues like "Leash" systematically eliminate those alternative possibilities.
Is there a specific strategy for when you get stuck on the first two clues?
The best strategy is to wait. Pinpoint rewards accuracy over speed in terms of your mental energy. If "Tag" and "Bowl" don't create a clear picture, don't guess. The third and fourth clues are designed to narrow the funnel, so patience usually leads to the correct answer.
Are "Collar" and "Leash" considered "dead giveaway" clues?
In the world of word association, yes. These are known as "high-association" words. While "Tag" and "Bowl" are "low-association" (they could mean many things), "Leash" almost exclusively points toward pet ownership, which is why it's usually saved for the final clue to help players who are struggling.
How does this puzzle compare to the usual difficulty level?
This was a moderate puzzle. The clues moved from very general (Tag) to very specific