NY Times Crossword
July 21, 2004
Eric and Janinne Berlin (adapted)

The answer to each clue is a familiar-sounding phrase, modified by a homophone.

1. Large, ancient instrument, as in a school-yard taunt

2. Instrument made in the lab, as on the Periodic Table

3. Instrument found in a football game, as behind the line of scrimmage

4. Missing instrument, as from the orchestra string section

Answers:

1. Big, fat lyre
2. Chemical cymbal
3. Quarterback sax
4. Stolen bass