Universal Crossword

September 9, 2025

Zhouqin Burnikel

 

The first four clues have something in common that is hinted at by the last clue - which is the title of the puzzle. Can you determine what it is?

 

1. DEPARTING FLIGHT

2. GLUTEN FREE

3. BLOWS A KISS

4. ETHICS VIOLATION

5. Tears of Joy

 

HINT;

Tears rhymes with "airs" not "ears".  

 

Answer:

 

The beginning and ending letters of each clue spell a synonym of JOY "torn" apart by the intervening letters:

 

1. DEparting fLIGHT - DELIGHT

2. GLuten frEE - GLEE  

3. BLows a kISS - BLISS

4. Ethics vioLATION - ELATION