NY Times Crossword
March 13, 2012
Jeff Chen

The answer to each of the first seven clues below is a compound word or two-word phrase. Both words in each compound  or phrase have something in common, as revealed by the eighth clue. What are the compound words and what do they have in common?

1. Where you are when the bus driver says, "Everyone off!"
2. Exactly right
3. Often-restricted zone, as over the White House
4. Bag remover, as in cosmetic surgery
5. Alternative to a jumper, in basketball
6. Wrestling move
7. Member of the Navy
8. UNFRUITFUL PATHS

Answers:

1. Last stop 
2. Spot on
3. Air space
4. Eyelift
5. Set shot
6. Seaman
7. Headlock
8. DEAD ENDS

What the answers have in common:

Both words in each answer are "dead" ends:

1. Dead last - Dead stop
2. Dead spot (as on a lawn) - Dead on
3. Dead air - Dead space
4. Deadeye - Deadlift
5. Dead set - Dead shot
6. Dead Sea - Dead man
7. Deadhead (drive without a load or passenger) - Deadlock
5. Deadhead (drive without a load or passenger) - Deadlock