Each expression below contains an obviously wrong word. These wrong words can be changed into the correct words according to a certain patter.  This pattern, in turn, can be expressed in a single word - remembering that wordplay is fair play. Can you determine the pattern, the new words, and the  single word that explains the change?

1. HAND-UP COMIC
2. A HITCH IN TIME
3. HACKS THE DECK
4. HUMBLING BLOCK
5. PUBLICITY HUNT
6. TEMPERED HEEL
7. PICKUP HICKS
8. SHOW HOPPER
9. HOCK MARKET

Answer:

The H in each clue can be replaced by ST to form the proper words:

1. STAND-UP COMIC
2. A STITCH IN TIME
3. STACKS THE DECK
4. STUMBLING BLOCK
5. PUBLICITY STUNT
6. TEMPERED STEEL
7. PICKUP STICKS
8. SHOW STOPPER
9. STOCK MARKET

The word that explains the change is STASH - ST  AS  H

Credit: LA Times Crossword
September 4. 2011
Don Gagliardo and C.C. Burnikel
SECRET STASH