The answers to the clues below are familiar phrases, except that the first letter of the first word of each phrase has been changed in a particular way. Can you determine the pattern that accounts for the change?

1. Cause for Adam to refuse the apple
2. Pre-camping preparation
3. Christmas, for Christians
4. Farmer's harvest fantasy
5. Independence Day vegetable
6. Unnecessary part of a jacket or sweatshirt
7. Ultimatum from a spouse who wants nicer digs
8. Nathan's annual hot dog contest, e.g.
9. Refusing to watch football on New Year's Day

HINTS:
1. Adam wasn't eating anything that day.
2. Getting the shelter ready to go
3. It has to do with faith
4. The best of the best
5. Like a Yankee Doodle Dandy
6. Head covering
7. Me or a new house - take your pick
8. No dip dishes

Answers:

1. Fast of Eden
2. Tent packing
3. Season to believe
4. Dream of the crop
5. Corn of the Fourth of July
6. Hood for nothing
7. Move me or leave me
8. Eating game
9. Nixing bowls

Pattern of change:

The first letter of the first word of each answer phrase is advanced one letter in the alphabet from its familiar, original phrase:

1. East of Eden
2. Sent packing
3. Reason to believe
4. Cream of the crop
5. Born on the Fourth of July
6. Good for nothing
7. Love me or leave me
8. Dating Game
9. Mixing bowls 

Credit: NY Times Crossword
July 25, 2010
Alan Arbesfeld
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