NY Times Crossword

October 4, 2023

Gary Larson

 

What do the following name and phrases have in common?

 

1. PACKING LIST

2. BALLS OF FIRE

3.CHAPSTICK 

4. HAT TRICKS*

HINT:

It has to do with swapping vowels.

Answer:

 

If you switch a vowel from one word (or syllable) to the other, the word or phrase becomes another phrase with another meaning:

 

1. PACKING LIST - PICKING LAST

2. BALLS OF FIRE - BILLS OF FARE

3. CHAPSTICK - CHIP STACK

4. HAT TRICKS - HIT TRACKS 

 

*A hat trick in ice hockey is three goals by the same player.