WHAT DID YOU SAY? XXIV

A Separate Piece 

Jay Sullivan

(adapted)

Each clue below an be answered with two phrases that have very different meanings, yet they look very much alike. The two phrases are a combination of homophones and/or stressonyms. For example, if someone was very bossy to his employees, they might say, "We don't like to be ORDERED AROUND." But if the bossy person went into a bar and treated everyone, he ORDERED A ROUND. 

1. The cowpoke was:

    a. Persuading others to do wrong

    b. Guiding a lost cow back to the herd

 

2. The absent-minded boxer 

    a. didn't remember his promise

    b. didn't remember a scheduled match

3. The orderly:

    a. Had to tend to the needs of a hospital section

    b. Won official recognition for his hard work.

4. The discriminating actor:

     a. Chose a role he liked

     b. Severely criticized another actor's performance

5. The cartoonist was:

    a. Getting in front of the other runners

    b. Sketching a face

 

6.  The linebacker:

      a. Was frustrated in his plans for the second time

      b. Stopped the runner from advancing down the field 

Answers:

 

1. LEADING ASTRAY

    LEADING A STRAY

 

2. FORGOT ABOUT

    FORGOT A BOUT

 

3. SERVICE A WARD

    SERVICE AWARD

 

4. PICKED A PART

    PICKED APART

 

5. DRAWING AHEAD 

    DRAWING A HEAD

 

6. FOILED AGAIN

    FOILED A GAIN