LinkedIn Pinpoint Answer for January 12, 2026
LINKEDIN PINPOINT CLUES
January 12, 2026
Mouse
Paperweight
Calendar
Stapler
Tape Dispenser
Clue Meanings Explained
Mouse
In this context, we aren't talking about the tiny rodent looking for cheese. We are talking about the handheld hardware device used to control a cursor on a computer screen. It’s the primary way most of us navigate our digital worlds.
Paperweight
This is a small, heavy object—often decorative, like glass or stone—placed on top of loose papers to prevent them from blowing away or shifting around. It’s a bit of a "vintage" office vibe, but still a staple for many.
Calendar
A chart or series of pages showing the days, weeks, and months of a particular year. Whether it’s a physical flip-calendar or a digital one, its job is to keep your schedule organized and remind you of that meeting you probably want to skip.
Stapler
A mechanical device that joins sheets of paper together by driving a thin metal staple through them and folding the ends. It’s the ultimate symbol of office bureaucracy and organization.
Tape Dispenser
An object that holds a roll of adhesive tape and has a built-in mechanism (usually a small serrated blade) to shear the tape at the desired length. It’s the go-to tool for quick fixes and wrapping packages.
Hey there, fellow Pinpoint enthusiasts! If you jumped into today’s puzzle, you probably noticed it felt like a slow walk through a very familiar setting. LinkedIn's Pinpoint game is all about those "Aha!" moments where a group of seemingly random words suddenly snaps into a clear category. Today’s set was a classic example of how the game lures you in with something broad and then narrows it down until the answer is staring you right in the face. Let's dive deep into the breakdown of these clues and see how we navigated the logic to land on the correct answer.
The Solve: A Tale of Wrong Turns
When the first clue, Mouse, popped up, I have to admit I was a bit all over the place. My brain immediately went to "Animals," or maybe "Computer Parts." I even briefly considered "Disney characters" because, well, Mickey is everywhere. But with just one word, the possibilities are way too wide to make a confident guess. I held off on submitting because "Mouse" is one of those classic Pinpoint traps.
Then came Paperweight. This changed the game. You don't usually find a paperweight and a rodent together unless you're in a very strange pet shop. I started thinking about things that sit on a flat surface. "Desk" popped into my head, but I wondered if it was more specific, like "Stationery" or "Antiques." I almost guessed "Office Supplies," but I wanted to see if the next clue would confirm the location or the function.
The third clue, Calendar, really solidified the "Workspace" theory. While you can have a calendar on a wall or a phone, when you pair it with a mouse and a paperweight, you’re looking at the anatomy of a workspace. I started to visualize my own desk. I had a mouse, I had a calendar... but I didn't have a paperweight (I use a coffee mug for that). Still, the theme was becoming undeniable.
By the time Stapler and Tape Dispenser showed up, the puzzle was basically handing me the answer on a silver platter. These are the "Big Five" of desk accessories. It wasn't just "Office Supplies" because a mouse isn't really a supply—it’s equipment. The common thread was the physical location where all these items live.
I took a second to phrase it correctly—"Things found on an office desk"—and hit submit. Boom. Perfect score. It’s all about waiting for that second or third clue to narrow the "location" versus the "category."
Lessons Learned From Today's Pinpoint Solution
Beware of Multi-Meaning Words: "Mouse" is the perfect example of a pivot word. It can be biological or technological. Always wait for the second clue to see which "world" the puzzle is living in before you burn a guess.
Visualize the Environment: When you see items like a stapler and a tape dispenser, don't just think about what they *are*, think about where they *sit*. Pinpoint loves categories based on physical locations (e.g., "In a kitchen drawer" or "On a gym floor").
Distinguish Equipment from Supplies: Today taught us that a category can mix electronics (Mouse) with manual tools (Stapler). This means the connection is often the *user's activity* (working) rather than the *material* the items are made of.
Patience Pays Off: It’s tempting to guess "Office" after two clues, but adding that extra bit of detail like "Office Desk" ensures you align with the game’s specific internal logic.
Expert Q&A
Why was "Mouse" chosen as the first clue instead of something more obvious like "Stapler"?
Pinpoint is designed to be a funnel. Starting with an ambiguous word like "Mouse" keeps the initial possibilities broad (animals, computers, snacks). If they started with "Stapler," most players would guess the theme instantly, making the game less challenging.
Could "Office Supplies" have been a valid answer for this puzzle?
While close, "Office Supplies" usually refers to consumable items like pens, paper, or staples. A "Mouse" is considered hardware or equipment, and a "Calendar" can be a permanent fixture. "Things found on an office desk" is a more inclusive category that covers both tools and supplies.
How do I handle clues that seem to belong to two different categories?
This is common! For example, "Calendar" could be "Timekeeping" or "Office." When this happens, look for the "lowest common denominator" between all clues. If one clue doesn't fit a category (like Mouse not fitting into Timekeeping), you have to pivot to the category that fits everything.
Is there a trick to guessing the answer in fewer clues?
The best trick is to look for "functional