NY Times Crossword

February 8, 2024

Samuel A. Donaldson

Each pair of words or phrases below can be changed into another pair of words or phrases according to a certain pattern. What is the pattern and what are the new words or phrases? Can you think of a clever revealing clue to this puzzle. Compare your answer to the constructor's, which is shown below the clues.

1. OVERPASS - GO UNDER

2. IN ORDER - LAYS OUT

3. OFFHAND - LEAVE ON

 

Revealing clue:

Dating axiom 

 

Answer to revealing clue:

Opposites attract

 

Answers to Clues 1-3:

 

Each word or phrase contains two opposites. These opposites "attract" each other and form two new words or expressions in which they are next to each other:

 

1. OVERPASS - GO UNDER

    PASSOVER - UNDERGO

2. IN ORDER - LAYS OUT

    ORDER IN - OUTLAYS

3. OFFHAND - LEAVE ON

    HAND OFF - ON LEAVE

Note: The clues above are really the answers to the clues in the original puzzle. For example,  #3 was clued as Like an impromptu remark (OFFHAND) and Keep wearing (LEAVE ON).