Wall Street Journal Crossword

February 20, 2025

Mike Shenk 

 

The clues and their answers below do not make sense until adjusting them according to a certain pattern. The pattern is hinted at by the last clue. Can you spot it?

 

1. Crater Lake setting - FOREGONE

2. Epitome of innocence - FLAMBE

3. Knight wear - FAR MORE

4. Fight site - FRINGE

5. Starter for a British auto - FAST ONE

6. Still having a chance to win - FINITE 

7. Unbreakable

 

Answers:

 

1. Oregon

2. Lamb 

3. Armor

4. Ring

5. Aston

6. In It

 

The answer words are framed (clad) by Fe - the chemical symbol for Iron - making  IRONCLAD - corresponding to the final clue "unbreakable."