NY Times Crossword

May 4, 2022

Eric Bornstein

Each word below can be changed to a new one according to a certain pattern - which is perfectly hinted at by the last clue.

1. TOUCH

2. PASS

3. PAT

4. Embassy staffer

Answer:

 

An embassy staffer is an ATTACHE. If you ATTACH E to the clue words you get:

 

1. TOUCHE - as what one might say if intllectually bested

2. PASSE - out of fashion

3. PATE - a soft paste in French cooking