Jumble Answers for 01/17/2026

CARTOON ANSWER:

COME CLEAN
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Welcome Back,
Puzzle Players!

PURR-PLEXING PROFITS

Today’s cartoon drops us into a tense interrogation room where an alleged money launderer sits calmly at the table, ledger spread open like a badge of honor. One agent presses him to admit his books have been cooked, while another doubts the story behind his sudden fortune, especially when it involves millions of dollars’ worth of waving cats. The man barely flinches, insisting he is simply very good at what he does, his organized records suggesting everything is perfectly accounted for. With every question, the pressure builds, and it feels less like they are searching for missing numbers and more like they are waiting for the truth itself to finally surface.

🧩 Clue Word Breakdown

LODLR = DROLL

Took a few glances to come into view.

Last used: 08/31/2024 as LRDLO

CLUHM = MULCH

No trouble at all.

Last used: 04/13/2020 as LUHMC

GNCAEH = CHANGE

Instantly visible.

Last used: 04/15/2024 as GNACEH

RENLKE = KERNEL

My pick for hardest.

Last used: 07/10/2025 as RELENK

🔎 Jumble! Jeff’s Jems

➤ THE AGENTS

The female agent leans in wearing a blazer and an interrogating look. The male agent is dressed in a suit and tie and is holding one of the waving cats.

➤ THE BOOKS

Their suspect remains calm, wearing a collared shirt with one hand open, palm up, while the other points directly to the ledger. The pages are filled with scribbled entries laid out like a proper accounting book, suggesting everything is in plain sight.

Final Solve

The final answer was an anagram consisting of nine letters that would solve into a 4 + 3 layout. This was one of those puzzles where the answer came to mind before I even finished reading the dialogue. It was also a rare case where I didn’t bother writing out the clue letters until after the solve, just to be safe. If you found yourself needing a nudge, the agents pressing him to admit what he had done, paired with the neatly opened ledger laid out in front of him, pointed toward what they were hoping he would do.

Click-To-Reveal Facts*:

About Waving Cats

➤ What are those waving cats actually called?
They’re called Maneki-neko, a traditional Japanese good-luck charm. Although they’re commonly seen in Chinese and other Asian restaurants, the figure itself originated in Japan and was later adopted across East Asian cultures.
SOURCE
➤ Where did the Maneki-neko originate?
The Maneki-neko originated in Japan during the Edo period, with legends tied to temples in Tokyo, most famously Gotoku-ji, where the lucky cat became a lasting symbol of fortune.
SOURCE
➤ What does the raised paw actually mean?
A raised left paw is meant to attract customers or people, while a raised right paw is associated with bringing money and good fortune. Some versions raise both paws to invite a little of everything.
SOURCE
➤ What is the gold coin on the belly, and what does it mean?
Many Maneki-neko hold a gold coin called a koban, an oval coin used in Edo-period Japan. The writing typically represents great wealth or ten million ryo, symbolizing prosperity, success, and financial good fortune.
SOURCE

💬 Say What?

“The safest way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.”

Will Rogers

SOURCE

Get a Clue (About Each Other!)

Solving the puzzle might be the main event, but connecting with one another is just as fun. Here’s a quick poll to share your perspective and see where you land among your fellow players.

*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

🎉 National Holidays* – January 17

National Hot Buttered Rum Day — A wintertime classic built around warm spices, butter, and rum. It’s a cozy nod to an old-fashioned drink that’s been taking the edge off cold nights for generations. SOURCE

National Bootlegger’s Day — A day that tips its hat to the history of bootlegging, Prohibition, and the colorful characters who kept spirits flowing when they weren’t supposed to. SOURCE

National Use Your Gift Card Day — A friendly nudge to finally spend that forgotten gift card hiding in a drawer or wallet. No saving it for later, today’s the day. SOURCE

National Classy Day — A reminder that good manners, respect, and a little grace never go out of style, no matter the occasion. SOURCE

National Popeye the Sailor Man Day — Celebrating the iconic cartoon sailor whose spinach-fueled strength and unmistakable laugh made him a pop culture legend. SOURCE

*For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use.

🥄 Viral Recipe

Croissant Brittle

This recipe took off because it turns leftover croissants into something completely new. Thin slices get baked with sugar and butter until they caramelize into crisp, crackly shards that hit that perfect balance between rich and light. It feels fancy without being fussy, and it disappears fast once people start snapping pieces off.

🛒 Daily Drops*

Silk Protein Beverage — Silk has rolled out a new plant-based protein milk designed for everyday drinking rather than shakes. It delivers 20 grams of protein per serving, uses pea protein, and is positioned as a refrigerated staple alongside traditional Silk milks. The product began appearing in major grocery stores nationwide in early January and is part of the regular lineup, not a limited run.

SOURCE

Ore-Ida French Fry Skis — Ore-Ida partnered with Fischer Sports to create a limited-edition set of alpine skis styled after the brand’s crinkle-cut fries. The skis feature fry-inspired graphics and Ore-Ida branding, serving as a playful ski-season promotion rather than a food release. Only a small number were produced, making this a short-run collaboration tied specifically to winter sports buzz.

SOURCE

Chobani Raspberry Rose Creamer — Chobani has added a Raspberry Rose flavor to its coffee creamer lineup, blending fruit and floral notes into a dairy-based creamer. The flavor officially drops in early 2026 and will be available nationwide. It is not listed as a limited edition, suggesting it may stick around if demand holds.

SOURCE

*Prices, availability, and participation may vary. For entertainment purposes only.

🌘 That’s A Wrap!

JEST For Fun

(click joke to reveal answer)

➤ Where can you always find money?
In the dictionary!
➤ Where did the couple go to borrow money for their wedding?
The credit UNION!
➤ What type of money do crabs pay their bills with?
Sand dollars!
➤ Why is money called dough?
Because we KNEAD it!
➤ Did you hear about the guy arrested for investing in apples?
He was in-cider trading!

Thanks to these minds who keep their interest high:

  • 💵 Keithbock
  • 🧺 Betty
  • 🪙 Smitty
  • 💰 MateodeColón
  • 🧾 Alan H.
  • 🫧 Alleytaj52
  • 👔 Postjoyfully
  • 🧠 Bobsteve9
  • 🧼 Butterflybarbi
  • 💳 Jkorski
  • 🪜 HonestlyOff
  • 📸 electrcmusic11
  • 👵 Warren

✨ May your day be BRIGHT and your mind stay SHARP! ✨

Jumble is a registered trademark of Tribune Content Agency, LLC. All rights to the original puzzle, characters, and artwork are owned by Tribune Content Agency. This site is an independent fan resource and solver’s guide, unaffiliated with the creators or syndicators. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not reflect those of Tribune Content Agency or the puzzle’s creators. For entertainment purposes only. Consult reliable references for critical use

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