LinkedIn Pinpoint #584: Runways, The air, The decks, One's name, One's throat (perhaps with warm water)

Q: What connects Runways, The air, The decks, One's name, One's throat (perhaps with warm water)?

For LinkedIn Pinpoint #584, The connection is that all of these things can be 'cleared' in some sense, whether physically, environmentally, personally, or socially. This viewpoint comes directly from our walkthrough notes.

Q: Why isn't 'Transportation Hubs' the answer?

For LinkedIn Pinpoint #584, While some of the clues relate to transportation, the category is too narrow and doesn't account for the personal or abstract connections introduced by later clues. This viewpoint comes directly from our walkthrough notes.

Q: How do I avoid falling for the 'Category Distractor' trap in future puzzles?

For LinkedIn Pinpoint #584, Remain vigilant and open-minded, considering alternative connections and considering the context and location of each clue to help identify the correct category. This viewpoint comes directly from our walkthrough notes.

Q: What does 'Clear the decks' actually mean?

For LinkedIn Pinpoint #584, It is a naval idiom originating from preparing a ship for battle by removing unnecessary objects from the deck. Now it generally means clearing away obstacles to prepare for a task. This viewpoint comes directly from our walkthrough notes.

Jump to full Pinpoint walkthrough Browse all LinkedIn Pinpoint answers

💡 Hover (desktop) or tap (mobile) each clue to see how it connects to the answer

LinkedIn Pinpoint #584 Answer:

Detailed breakdown continues just below - keep scrolling

Pinpoint #584 Walkthrough & Analysis

Puzzle Overview

Pinpoint #584 is a masterclass in misdirection, presenting a series of clues that cleverly conceal the true connection, leading solvers down a path of initial confusion before revealing the unexpected link.

How the Solution Emerged

The opening trio of Runways, The air, and The decks sets a strong 'Category Distractor' trap, leading solvers to consider transportation or geographical themes. However, the disruption arrives with One's name, forcing a strategy change and introducing the concept of personal or possessive connections. The final clue, One's throat (perhaps with warm water), solidifies the correct category, which is 'Things that can be cleared', such as a runway can be cleared for takeoff, the air can be cleared of pollution, a deck can be cleared of obstacles, one's name can be cleared of negative associations, and one's throat can be cleared with warm water.

How Each Clue Connects to "Things that can be cleared"

Detailed breakdown of each clue word, example phrase, and explanation
Clue Word	Example Phrase	Connection Explained
Runways	“clear the runway”	A runway can be cleared for takeoff, indicating a physical or logistical clearing.
The air	“clear the air”	The air can be cleared of pollution or negative energies, representing a more abstract or environmental clearing.
The decks	“clear the decks”	A deck can be cleared of obstacles or clutter, signifying a physical or spatial clearing.
One's name	“clear one's name”	One's name can be cleared of negative associations or reputational damage, representing a more personal or social clearing.
One's throat (perhaps with warm water)	“clear one's throat”	One's throat can be cleared with warm water, indicating a physical or health-related clearing.

The Correct Connections

Once the answer was revealed, everything made perfect sense. Here's how each clue connects:

Runways (clear the runway): A runway can be cleared for takeoff, indicating a physical or logistical clearing.
The air (clear the air): The air can be cleared of pollution or negative energies, representing a more abstract or environmental clearing.
The decks (clear the decks): A deck can be cleared of obstacles or clutter, signifying a physical or spatial clearing.
One's name (clear one's name): One's name can be cleared of negative associations or reputational damage, representing a more personal or social clearing.
One's throat (perhaps with warm water) (clear one's throat): One's throat can be cleared with warm water, indicating a physical or health-related clearing.

Lessons Learned from Pinpoint #584

1
Beware the 'Category Distractor'
Be cautious of initial clues that strongly suggest a particular category, as they may be intended to mislead. Instead, remain flexible and open to alternative connections.
2
Filter by Location and Context
Consider the context and location of each clue to help disambiguate potential connections and identify the correct category.
3
Watch for Pivot Points
Pay attention to clues that disrupt or challenge your initial assumptions, as they often signal a shift in the correct direction.
4
Spot the Invisible Verb
Sometimes the link isn't the noun itself, but a verb that applies to all of them (like 'Clear'). Test action words against the whole list.

FAQ

What connects Runways, The air, The decks, One's name, One's throat (perhaps with warm water)?

The connection is that all of these things can be 'cleared' in some sense, whether physically, environmentally, personally, or socially.

Why isn't 'Transportation Hubs' the answer?

While some of the clues relate to transportation, the category is too narrow and doesn't account for the personal or abstract connections introduced by later clues.

How do I avoid falling for the 'Category Distractor' trap in future puzzles?

Remain vigilant and open-minded, considering alternative connections and considering the context and location of each clue to help identify the correct category.

What does 'Clear the decks' actually mean?

It is a naval idiom originating from preparing a ship for battle by removing unnecessary objects from the deck. Now it generally means clearing away obstacles to prepare for a task.