Time Test - by Will Shortz

NPL Convention, 2024

The Enigma

August, 2024

 

Part II 

Insert a palindromic sequence of five letters in each blank to complete a seven-letter word or phrase that answers the clue.

   Example: Where beer is made  - - -  B_ _ _ _ _Y

                                                             BREWERY

1. Futile                                              U _ _ _ _ _ S

2. Hair braid                                       C _ _ _ _ _ W

3. Stabbing                                          K _ _ _ _ _ G

4. Farm storehouse                             G _ _ _ _ _ Y

5. Individual, for one                          S _ _ _ _ _ M

6. Penny (2 wds.)                               O _ _ _ _ _ T

7. #1 Position (2 wds.)                       T _ _ _ _ _ T

8. Breaks into pieces (2 wds.)            B _ _ _ _ _ P 

9. Genetic depository (2 wds.)           D _ _ _ _ _ K

10. Fancy pencil and pen (2 wds.)     D _ _ _ _ _ T

11. Difference in earnings,

    as between men and women          W _ _ _ _ _P  

 

Answers:

 

1. USELESS

2. CORNROW

3. KNIFING

4. GRANARY

5. SYNONYM

6. ONE CENT

7. TOP SPOT

8. BUSTS UP

9. DNA BANK

10. DESK SET

11. WAGE GAP