NY Times Crossword

May 3, 2026

Mark Diehl

WHAT ARE THE ODDS? 

 

In each pair of clues below, the second clue has a punny relationship with the first. Can you determine what it is. 

 

1. PLASTIC SHEETS

    Gives a darn

 

2. NO EASY TASK

    Sticky pads

 

3. BRIDGET JONES

    Low digit

 

4. KEN KESEY

    Child support

 

5.  ACCOUNT REP 

    Not quite right 

 

6. BARBARIANS

    Scarecrow's lack 

 

HINT:

The puzzle title is a hint. 

 

Answers:

 

In each pair of clues, the odd letters in the first clue spell out the answer to the second clue:

 

1. PlAsTiC sHeEtS = patches (gives a darn)

2. No EaSy TaSk = nests (sticky pads) 

3. BrIdGeT jOnEs = big toe (low digit) 

4. KeN kEsEy = knee (child support) 

5. AcCoUnT rEp = acute (not quite right) [angle]

6. BaRbArIaNs = brain (scarecrow's lack) [in The Wizard of Oz]