NY Times Crossword
October 19, 2008
Joe DiPietro

The following sets of words and phrases have something in common. Can you determine what it is and guess the theme (and title) of this puzzle?

MY THROAT HURTS
               BELIE

CAN'T DO A THING
                 LIE OVER

SEMI-PRO ATHLETES
        PURLIEU

THE ROAD TO ATHENS
                        LIENS

SHOWBOAT HOTEL
             FLIED OUT

HINT:
The position of the bottom word or phrase in each set is important.

Answer:

The puzzle title is PERJURY. Can you see why?

Answer to Answer:

In each set, the letters LIE are placed under the letters OATH. To lie under oath is perjury.