NY Times Crossword
January 26, 2010
Paula Gamache

The following words and phrases share a common quality. Can you determine what it is?

PACE OFF
QUIET TIME
BACKTRACK
OPEN HOUSE
COUNTDOWN

HINT:
The same word can precede either half of the clue words.

Answer:

Both halves of each clue can be preceded by KEEP:

Keep pace - keep off
Keep back - keep track, etc.