Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Crossword

Seth A. Abel

(Title shown below)

 

The four phrases below have something in common that is hinted at by the last clue.

 

1. WORK NEEDED

2. CRANK LETTER

3. BELT HIGHWAY

4. DROPS HINTS

5. Superstitious word of encouragement

 

HINT:

The puzzle title is OUT ON A LIMB

 

Answer to clue #5:

 

BREAK A LEG

 

Answers to clues #1-4:

 

Each phrase conceals the name of a part of the leg:

 

1. worK NEEded

2. crANK LEtter 

3. belT HIGHway

4. dropS HINts