WSJ Crossword

April 12, 2021

Jeff Stillman

 

What do the following phrases have to do with Abraham Lincoln?

 

1. RAIN BARREL

2. ROOFING NAIL

3. RAISED HELL 

HINT:

Look at the beginning and ending letters.

Answer:

 

Each phrase contains the word RAIL, beginning with R and ending in L, with the intervening letters in correct, but not consecutive order. So RAIL is split. Young Abraham Lincoln was a rail splitter.