FRENCH TWISTS
Credit: LA Times Crossword
April 19. 2015
Tracy Bennett

Each word below is commonly followed by another, which together make up a familiar compound word or two-word phrase. Can you think of a homophone for the second word, so that the resulting word or phrase has an entirely different meaning? The second word is rooted in French. For example, CROSS is commonly followed by BOW to form CROSSBOW, a weapon. By replacing BOW with BEAU, we get CROSS BEAU, which can mean a testy lover.

1. BITTER
2. EASILY
3. POWER
4. PETTY
5. WIDOW'S
6. ARABIAN
7. BLUE

HINTS TO THE COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

1. Happy and sad at the same time
2. Quick to be convinced
3. Boy toy, for some
4. On-hand money for immediate use
5. Distinctive hair feature
6. Middle eastern ruler, perhaps
7. Kind of flower

Answers to the common expressions:

1. BITTER SWEET
2. EASILY SWAYED
3. POWER TOOL
4. PETTY CASH
5. WIDOW'S PEAK
6. ARABIAN SHIEK
7. BLUEBELL

HINTS TO THE "FRENCH TWIST" EXPRESSIONS:

1. Musical work expressing resentment 
2. Napped fabric, without a doubt
3. Bridezilla's fabric of choice
4. Measly supply of weapons, drugs, money, etc.
5. Surviving spouse's irritation
6. The latest in equine fashion
7. Beauty needing a lift

Answers to the "French Twist" expressions:

1. Bitter SUITE
2. Easily SUEDE
3. Power TULLE
4. Petty CACHE
5. Widow's PIQUE
6. Arabian CHIC
7. Blue BELLE