ALL TIED UP

Credit: LA Times Crossword

Sylvia Bursztyn and Barry Tunick

Each clue below can be incorporated into a familiar phrase or expression, such that they all have something in common.

1. Violins, violas, cellos, and bases in an orchestra

2. On the verge of disaster

3. Popular home entertainment feature

4. Expensive necklace

5. They are held by those in authority

6. Private, sergeant, major, general

7. Marriage symbols

8. You need them to talk and sing

9. World-wide news reporting system

10. The result could by self-destruction

Answers:

1. STRING section

2. Hanging by a THREAD

3. CABLE television

4. STRAND of pearls

5. REINS of power

6. CHAIN of command

7. Wedding BANDS

8. vocal CORDS

9. WIRE service

10. Give someone enough ROPE, and he'll hang himself.