What connects Radio, Brain, Shock, Permanent, Tidal?
All five words can precede 'waves' to form compound phrases: radio waves, brain waves, shock waves, permanent waves, and tidal waves.
💡 Hover (desktop) or tap (mobile) each clue to see how it connects to the answer
LinkedIn Pinpoint #582 Answer:
Detailed breakdown continues just below - keep scrolling
Pinpoint #582 Walkthrough & Analysis
Puzzle Overview
Pinpoint #582 is a compound word puzzle where each clue forms a phrase ending with 'waves,' testing solvers' ability to spot word patterns.
How the Solution Emerged
The opening clue 'Radio' sets an immediate trap, suggesting categories like 'Communication Devices' or 'Things with Stations.' My first guess of 'stations' failed. When 'Brain' appeared as the second clue, the connection became crystal clear: Radio waves, Brain waves. Both form compound phrases with 'waves.' Committing to this pattern paid off—'waves' was the correct answer.
💡 The Correct Connections
Once the answer was revealed, everything made perfect sense. Here's how each clue connects:
- Radio (Radio waves): Electromagnetic waves used for radio transmission and communication.
- Brain (Brain waves): Electrical activity in the brain, often measured with an EEG to study consciousness and sleep patterns.
- Shock (Shock waves): High-pressure waves caused by explosions, supersonic aircraft, or other sudden energy releases.
- Permanent (Permanent waves): An old-fashioned term for a hair perm—a chemical treatment creating lasting curls or waves in hair.
- Tidal (Tidal waves): Large ocean waves; colloquially used for tsunamis, though technically caused by different phenomena.
Lessons Learned from Pinpoint #582
- 1
Beware the First-Clue Trap
The first word is designed to send you down plausible but incorrect paths. 'Radio' screamed 'stations' or 'devices,' but the real category was more abstract. Use the first clue to generate ideas, but don't commit until you see the second.
- 2
Look for the Compound Connection
Often, the link isn't just a category but a specific word that pairs with each clue. Asking 'What common word can follow or precede both of these?' led directly to 'waves.'
- 3
Trust Sudden, Simple Insights
When the second clue instantly made a strong pattern obvious (X-waves), going with it was the right call. Overthinking after a clear 'click' moment can cost you a quick solve.
- 4
Embrace Broad Categories
Don't dismiss a simple answer just because it seems general. Categories like 'Types of [something]' are common and valid in Pinpoint.
FAQ
I thought 'Permanent' was the odd one out. What's the connection?
It's the trickiest one! 'Permanent wave' is largely an outdated term for a hairstyle perm. The 'wave' refers to the curly pattern chemically set into the hair.
Is 'Tidal wave' the same as a 'Tsunami'?
Scientifically, 'tsunami' is the preferred term. 'Tidal wave' is a common historical name, but tsunamis are not actually caused by tides. Pinpoint often uses common, colloquial phrases.
How can I get better at spotting these compound word categories?
Practice! When you see two clues, mentally try adding a common noun before or after them. Think: 'Radio ____' and 'Brain ____'. Could it be 'station'? No, because 'Brain station' doesn't work. Could it be 'wave'? Yes, both work perfectly.