LA Times Crossword
May 26, 2019
Kevin Salat
ABRACADABRA!

The following phrases have something in common that has nothing to do with their meanings. Can you determine what it is?

FAUX PAS
SUN VISOR
SINGLE DIGS
PIED PIPER

HINTS:
1. The puzzle title is a hint.
2. What words are commonly associated with ABRACADABRA?
3. The following phrases could be added to the list:
    SHORT CIRCUS
    GREAT BRAIN
    DEFY GRAVY

Answer:

One of the words in each clue phrase could have IT inserted into it to form a new, reasonably sensible phrase:

FAUX PITAS
SUN VISITOR
SINGLE DIGITS
PITIED PIPER

HINTS:
SHORT CIRCUITS
GREAT BRITAIN
DEFY GRAVITY

The title ABRACADABRA is often associated with the words, Now you see IT, now you don't - which is the puzzle's theme.