New York Times Crossword
March 23, 2020
Edward Sessa (adapted)

The phrases below have to do with a famous quote by a famous president. Can you figure out what's going on?

HOPELESS CAUSE
HOLD THE APPLAUSE
HOW COULD I REFUSE?

HINT:
The president was Abraham Lincoln.

Answer:

"A house divided (against itself) cannot stand." - - - In each example the word HOUSE is divided (HOpeless caUSE, etc.).