WSJ Crossword

Alex Eaton-Salners

 

Below are seven clues and their answers. The answers do not seem to make sense, but they do - according to a certain pattern - hinted at by the eighth clue. What is the pattern and what are the correct clue answers?

1. Taking for a ride - CONDONING

2. Hustles - SCREAMS

3. Safekeeping sites - CHEMISTS

4. In short supply - SCARFACE

5. Used, with "down" - HANDSOME

6. Stagnant spots - SWAM LAPS

7. Steers clear of - SHUTINS

8. Furtively communicate in class

Answer to Clue 8:

PASS NOTES

 

Answers to Clues 1-7:

 

By dropping the notes of the musical scale concealed within each answer, the answer words become new ones that sensibly answer the clues:

 

1. Taking for a ride - CONDONING - CONNING

2. Hustles - SCREAMS - SCAMS

3. Safekeeping sites - CHEMISTS - CHESTS

4. In short supply - SCARFACE - SCARCE

5. Used with "down" - HANDSOME - HAND-ME-DOWN

6. Stagnant spots - SWAM LAPS -  SWAMPS

7. Steers clear of - SHUTINS -  SHUNS