GET IN THE GAME
Credit: Will Shortz
NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle
Sept. 18, 2010

Each answer below is in the form of  IN THE _________. The clue is made up of three, two, or one internal letter(s) from the missing word, and a hint to the meaning of the phrase. For example, given the clue

ARD - Likely to happen,

the answer would be IN THE CARDS.

1.  LEA - Absolved of responsibility
2.  UMP - Depressed
3.  ORK - Being planned
4.  EAS - Even a little
5.  AI - Largely
6.  IN - Strong and healthy
7.  AR - Unaware
8.  EA - Ahead of everyone
9.  OO - Inclined toward
10.  E - Negative balance
11.  C - While going on
12.  N - Finally 

Answers:

1. In the CLEAR
2. In the DUMPS
3. In the WORKS
4. In the LEAST
5. In the MAIN
6. In the PINK
7. In the DARK
8. In the LEAD
9. In the MOOD
10. In the RED
11. In the ACT
12. In the END