NY Times Crossword
Robert H. Wolfe (adapted)

The clues below can be answered in two ways. The first is the standard way - with just letters. The second incorporates letters and numbers in an ingenious pattern. First, answer the clues in the standard way. Then try to see the pattern in the answers that leads to the second way - using letters and numbers. A hint is provided below the standard answers.

1. Explain the meaning of the word again
2. "You are too" response
3. Old dental anesthetic
4. Scientist's smock

Standard Answers:

1. REDEFINE
2. I AM NOT
3. LAUGHING GAS
4. LAB COAT

HINT to answers using letters and numbers: TELEPHONE

Answers:

1. RE3INE
2. IA6T
3. LAU4NG GAS 
4. L2OAT 

EXPLANATION: The numbers represent the letters found on a telephone dial (button) which correspond to that number:

1. reDEFine (3)
2. i aMN Ot  (6)
3. lauGHIng gas (4)
4. lAB Coat (2)