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

MAY I BE EXCUSED?

FULL OF ONESELF

COME TO DADDY

ALL THAT REMAINS

 

HINT:

The puzzle title is ANIMAL CRACKERS.

 

Answer:

 

Each clue contains the name of an animal, but "cracked" (broken up) by one letter:

 

1. may I BE eXcused 

2. fulL Of ONeself

3. come TO dADdy

4. all tHAT rEmains 

 

Credit:

Wall Street Journal

September 10/11, 2022

Joe Deeney