STUMPERS CLXXVIII

Credit: NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle
June 18, 2006
Al Gorey
Presented by Will Shortz

Think of a three word phrase in the form of _____ and ____ that means everyday working people.
Change the first letter of the second missing word to a V to get two words that are synonyms.

Answer:

RANK AND FILE
RANK - VILE