Universal Crossword

Jared Cappel and Morris Greenberg

The first three clues below have something in common that is hinted at by the fourth clue. (Can you think of two other possible hints for the fourth clue?)

1. Shock or surprise someone

2. Move to the front, as in a race

3. Stay current with what's going on

4. Thoroughly examine

Answers:

 

1. TAKE ABACK

2. PULL AHEAD

3. KEEP ABREAST

4: Pick apart (pick a [body] part)

(Other possible hints:

Choose a role in a play

Choose a water pump, for example, in a junkyard - - - Both could be answered "Pick a part".)