LA Times Crossword
May 19, 2019
Ross Trudeau (#1-5)

The answers to the clues below are well-known phrases - but with a twist. The same two letters have been dropped from one of the words in each phrase. The answers - with the dropped letters - satisfy the clues, but the phrases are far more familiar in their usual form. What are the two dropped letters, and what are the answer phrases and the original phrases?

1. Cracked river barriers
2. Tote that carries it all
3. Talks about woks
4. Request to a local marriage oath writer
5.What a generous mechanic might do after a wreck
6. The Golden State in August

HINTS:
1. She needs to be rescued.
4. "Wheel of Fortune" request

Answers:

The two letters dropped from one of the words in each phrase are EL:

1. Dams in distress (Damsel in distress)
2. Everything bag (Everything bagel)
3. Pan discussions (Panel discussions)
4. "Can I buy a vow?" "(Can I buy a vowel?")
5. Throw in the toe (Throw in the towel) 
6. Hot California ( Hotel California)