NPR Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle
January 27, 2008
Will Shortz

Each nonsense phrase below is is the form of _______ THE _______. Change each phrase into a common expression by replacing the first and last words with rhymes. For example, given the clue LEASE THE REELS, the answer would be GREASE THE WHEELS.

1. SWALLOW THE READER
2. THROW THE MISSLE
3. GRACE THE STATION
4. RUFFLE THE CHECK
5. SHAKE THE SPONGE
6. TURN THE HOPES
7. BEST THE DAUGHTERS
8. THRILL THE QUEENS
9. TAKE THE YANK
10. PRAISE THE SPOOF
11. MUTE THE SLEAZE
12. CHEAT THE JOCK

Answers:

1. FOLLOW THE LEADER
2. BLOW THE WHISTLE
3. FACE THE NATION
4. SHUFFLE THE DECK
5. TAKE THE PLUNGE
6. LEARN THE ROPES
7. TEST THE WATERS
8. SPILL THE BEANS
9. BREAK THE BANK
10. RAISE THE ROOF
11. SHOOT THE BREEZE
12. BEAT THE CLOCK