LA Times Crossword
July 15, 2020
Ed Sessa (#1-3)

The four phrases below have something in common that has nothing to do with their meanings and is hinted at by the fifth clue.

1. CANDY FLOWERS
2. BLESSED EVENT
3. NATIONAL DEBT
4. IRON BEAM
5. Like some conventional romances

Answer to Clue 5:

BOY MEETS GIRL

Answers to Clues 1-4:

The first word of each phrase ends with a male name, and the second word begins with a female name. 

1. cANDY FLOwers
2. blessED EVEnt
3. nationAL DEBt 
4. iRON BEAm