The phrases below have something in common, according to a certain pattern. Can you determine what it is?

1. HAIR TRIGGER

2. AMATEUR NIGHT

3. CHOCOLATE MALT

4. CREAM OF THE CROP 

HINT:

The puzzle title is ANIMAL CRACKERS.

Answer:

 

Each phrase contains the name of an animal - but "cracked" (broken) by one letter:

 

1. HAiR Trigger (HART)

2. amaTEuR Night (TERN)

3. chocolaTE mALt (TEAL)

4. creaM Of THe crop (MOTH) 

 

Credit:
Joe Deeney

Wall Street Journal

September 10-11, 2022