NY Times Crossword 

April 7, 2026

Adryel W. Robles Ojeda

 

The first four phrases have something in common that is hinted at by the last clue. Can you determine what it is?

 

1. FAST FOOD

2. BLACK KEY 

3. BEACH HOTEL

4. EXERCISE BIKE

5. Old-time restraint for a prisoner

 

Answer to Clue 5:

BALL AND CHAIN

 

Answers to Clues 1-4:

 

The first word of each phrase can be followed by BALL and the second word by CHAIN to make familiar two-word phrases:

 

1. FAST BALL, FOOD CHAIN

2. BLACK BALL, KEY CHAIN

3. BEACH BALL, HOTEL CHAIN

4. EXERCISE BALL, BIKE CHAIN