DOUBLE BREAK POINT
Credit: NY Times Crossword
December 6, 2009
Patrick Berry (adapted)

Each clues below can be answered with a two word phrase in which the last letter of the first word is the same as the first letter of the second word. If you drop the first letter of the second word, you are left with a common phrase.

For example, given the clue Reductions in rank that are both positive and negative, the answer would be MIXED DEMOTIONS. If you drop the D in the second word, you are left with MIXED EMOTIONS.

1. Deciding to marry the best man at your wedding
2. Memento of an old athletic injury
3. Holder of electrons, protons, and neutrons
4. Hard working, but obnoxious scientists
5. Begging soldiers
6. Things heard after thumbs are hit with hammers

Answers:

1. CHANGING GROOMS (changing rooms)
2. SPORTS SCAR (sports car)
3. ATOMIC CAGE (atomic age)
4. LAB BRATS (lab rats)
5. TROOP PLEADERS (troop leaders)
6. CARPENTER RANTS (carpenter ants)