TAKE IT AWAY
LA Times Crossword
Sylvia Bursztyn and Barry Tunick  (adapted)

Each clue below hints at something that is missing from a well-known expression. Following the clues is a list of the expressions - missing the word or words hinted at. Try to identify the full expression from the first set of clues, though this is much harder than identifying it with the help of the second set.

Each phrase below is missing a key word. First, determine what the word is, and then think of a well-known expression which describes how the word was "taken away." For example

1. Cancel a plan
2. Bounce back
3. Skip town
4. Remove the spot
5. Cut loose
6. Drop a stitch
7. Lose ground

HINTS:
1.
2. Bend over ward
3. Just a one horse
4. It really hits
5. Foot fancy and free
6. In time saves nine
7. Get in on the floor

Answers:

1. A man, a plan, a canal, Panama (celebrated palindrome)
2. Bend over backward
3. Just a one horse town
4. It really hits the spot
5. Footloose and fancy free
6. A stitch in time saves nine
7. Get in on the ground floor