The answers to the clues below will have something in common.

1. Box office sensation
2. Very dull company
3. It may be red or yellow
4. He may be tall, dark, and handsome
5. Convincing defeat, as in an election

Answers:

1. Smashing success
2. Crashing bore
3. Flashing light
4. Dashing young man
5. Thrashing at the polls 

Credit: #1-2 and idea
NY Times Crossword
April 11, 1999
Matt Gaffney