Poople #186 Answer: LAIR to POOP
February 16, 2026 · Easy · 5 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from LAIR to POOP takes 5 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1LAIRLAIN4th letter, R to N
- Step 2LAINLOIN2nd letter, A to O
- Step 3LOINLOON3rd letter, I to O
- Step 4LOONLOOP4th letter, N to P
- Step 5LOOPPOOP1st letter, L to P
Just want a hint?
About this puzzle
Par 5 of 11. Rated Easy.
1 distinct shortest path(s) from LAIR to POOP.
LAIR connects to 5 other valid words.
This puzzle has exactly one shortest route: every move is forced, with no equally short alternative at any step.
Easier than #185 (TICS, par 6) by 1 move(s). #185 TICS
Easier than #187 (ANEW, par 7) by 2 move(s). #187 ANEW
How the routes branch
Every word in this ladder is forced. Swap any single word for another valid neighbour and the route gets longer.
This ladder from LAIR to POOP is a quick one. The "LOON" bridge word makes me giggle.
Bridge words
- LAIR(noun)
- A wild animal's hidden resting place.
- LAIN(verb)
- Past participle of lie (to recline); rested in a horizontal position.
- LOIN(noun)
- The part of the body on either side of the spine between the false ribs and hip bone.
- LOON(noun)
- A large, fish-eating diving bird; a crazy or foolish person.
- LOOP(noun)
- A shape like a curve that crosses itself, or a repeated computer process.
First moves from LAIR
LAIR has 5 legal first moves. Only one of them stays on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 4 moves left to POOP.
Costs one extra move: 6 moves total to POOP.
Costs two extra moves: 7 moves total to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #186 answer?
The #186 start word is LAIR. One shortest path to POOP takes 5 moves: LAIR -> LAIN -> LOIN -> LOON -> LOOP -> POOP.
Is there really only one shortest path from LAIR to POOP?
Yes, there is only one shortest path from LAIR to POOP. This unique path is LAIR to LAIN, then LOIN, LOON, and finally LOOP before reaching POOP. All other first moves from LAIR add at least one extra step.
What is the best first move from LAIR?
The best first move from LAIR is to LAIN, which leads to POOP in four more steps. Making any other first move, such as to FAIR, LAID, or PAIR, will add at least one extra move to your solution. Moving to HAIR will add two extra moves.
Are there any first moves from LAIR that lead to a dead end?
No, there are no first moves from LAIR that lead to a dead end. All five valid neighbors of LAIR can eventually reach POOP. However, some moves like HAIR will cost you two extra steps compared to the optimal path.