CUT IT OUT I
From BRAIN GAMES FOR WORD NERDS
Francis Heaney

Each clue below leads to a two-word phrase in which the two words are nearly identical, except the second one has had a letter cut out. For example, the clue WELL-BUILT READING ROOM gives the answer STURDY STUDY.

1. Animal with a sore throat
2. Bullwinkle in a depressed mood
3. Shout from underneath
4. Stand-up joke teller in outer space
5. Step down from the throne
6. Formal, but rude, address to Scrooge
7. Seeks after handbags
8. Most agile man of the cloth
9. Newborns of Ken's beloved
10. List of animals that crow at dawn
11. It can warm up a movie house
12. Talk about a decathlon event
13. Where to find a group of medical examiners
14. 2 1/2 dozen people who need water
15. Making a bid at Sotheby's
16. Inattentive, but loving touch
17. General rude comment directed at women
18. More hypodermics than necessary

Answers:

1. Hoarse horse
2. Morose moose 
3. Bellow below
4. Cosmic comic
5. Resign reign
6. Mister Miser
7. Pursues purses
8. Spriest priest
9. Barbie's babies
10. Rooster roster
11. Theater heater
12. Discuss discus
13. Coroner corner
14. Thirsty thirty
15. Auction action
16. Careless caress
17. Catchall catcall
18. Needless needles