Warning: The theme of this puzzle, though very clever, is on the edge of rudeness.

NY Times Crossword
July 25, 2018
Emily Carroll

The word and two phrases below conceal  related words - with the letters in reverse, but consecutive, order. Can you spot them? Can you determine the theme of the puzzle?

1. POLTERGEISTS
2. GOLDEN ARCHES
3. PIANO REHEARSAL

Answers to clues:

1. POLTERGEISTS - EGRET
2. GOLDEN ARCHES - CRANE
3. PIANO REHEARSAL - HERON

Theme:  Gestured rudely..... or what the puzzle clues have done.

Answer to theme:

Flipped the bird