Each phrase below looks familiar, but something's not quite right. Each one is "off" in the same way. What's wrong with the phrases and what one single, four-letter word will explain and correct the phrases, turning them into the ones we're used to?

1. STAKING CONTEST
2. HOLIDAY CHEEK
3. DAYS OF YOKE
4. COKE CURRICULUM
5. SEND UP A FLAKE
6. RAKE COIN
7. SHAKE AND SHAKE ALIKE

Answer:

In each clue, the letter R should replace each K to return the phrases to familiar ones:

1. STARING CONTEST
2. HOLIDAY CHEER
3. DAYS OF YORE
4. CORE CURRICULUM
5. SEND UP A FLARE
6. RARE COIN
7. SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE

The "revealing" word is RISK (R is K)

Credit: LA Times Crossword
September 11, 2016
Warren Stabler
RISK FACTOR