What do the following clues have in common?

1. Scapegoat
2. Battering ram
3. Balance beam
4. Minnesota Twins
5. Crab salad 
6. Lion tamers
7. Fishing license
8. Bulldozer

Answer:

Each clue contains a symbol of a sign of the Zodiac:

1. Goat - Capricorn 
2. Ram - Aries
3. Balance - Libra
4. Twins - Gemini
5. Crab - Cancer
6. Lion - Leo
7. Fish - Pisces
8. Bull - Taurus

Credit:
NY Times Crossword
January 29, 1995
Bryant White
SIGN SUBSTITUTION