NY Times Crossword
June 13, 2016
Lynn Lempel

Look carefully at the beginning and ending letters of the following name and phrases. Some combination of these letters in each clue forms a word, and all four words are related. Further, the position of these words, in relation to the clues, leads to a common expression. What are the four related words, and what familiar phrase do they form?

DUNCAN PHYFE
DOUBLE PARK
CHEST BUMP
MOTOR NEURON

Answers:

Related words:

DUNCan phyfE - DUNCE
DOuble paRK - DORK
CHest bUMP - CHUMP
MOtor neuRON - MORON

Familiar expression:

The four related words are synonyms of FOOL. Since they "surround" the clue name and phrases, the expression is FOOLING AROUND.