NY Times Crossword
October 2, 2019
Mangesh Ghogre

This puzzle has three parts. Use the solution to Part I to solve Part II. Use the solution to Part II to answer Part III.

Part I
The following phrases have something in common that has nothing to do with their meanings. What is it?

1. Rough idea
2. Long history
3. High income
4. Big hit
5. Weigh in
6. Hug him
7. Long hidden

HINT:
It has to do with letters.

Answer to Part I:

All the phrases have the consecutive letters GHI.

Part II
In the printed puzzle grid, the letters GHI were squeezed into the same square every time they occurred - a rebus clue. How should this clue be read?

HINT:
It has to do with an historical figure.

Answer to Part II:

The GHI squeezed together should be read G AND HI = GHANDI

Part III
What is significant about the date of this puzzle?

Answer to Part III:

Today, October 2, is the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth (1869). It is a national holiday in India, and the United Nations has declared it as the International Day of Nonviolence to honor Gandhi's message.