Washington Post Crossword

September 17, 2023

Evan Birnholz

This puzzle has two parts. First, figure out the two things the eight phrases below have in common. Then, try to think of a common three-word phrase that makes a clever title to this puzzle. The constructor's title is shown below the answers.

1. AB RIVERS

2. RACK PEN

3. EVER GAIN

4. RAVEL GENTS

5. ELF ENTERED

6. EDDY EARS

7. ARGO HIPS

8. PACE ACE

Answers:

 

First thing the clues have in common:

 

Each word in each phrase is missing its initial letter which, when restored, forms a familiar phrase: 

 

1. CAB DRIVES

2. CRACK OPEN

3. NEVER AGAIN

4. TRAVEL AGENTS

5. SELF CENTERED

6. TEDDY BEARS

7. CARGO SHIPS

8. SPACE RACE 

 

Second thing the clues have in common:

 

The two initial letters (when you make the second one lower case) are symbols for elements.

 

Cd - Cadmium

Co- Cobalt 

Na - Sodium, etc. 

 

Hint to the title for the puzzle:

"It's not up for discussion"

 

Constructor's title of the puzzle:

OFF THE TABLE - - - as in Periodic Table