7
$\begingroup$

This was presented on NPR's Weekend Edition by Will Shortz. I've been trying for days and have no clue. You can see the puzzle under "Next Week's Challenge" here

The following two word phrases having something very unusual in common. What is it? And when you find it, think of another two word phrase that has the same property.

  • Property Rights
  • Land Mine
  • Sales Order
  • Color Scheme
  • India Ink

I will be able to verify after the next episode of NPR's Weekend Edition this upcoming Sunday. (September 24th, 2018).

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
3
  • $\begingroup$ Could it have anything to do with this topic? indianbureaucracy.com/… $\endgroup$
    – Dylan
    Sep 19, 2018 at 13:39
  • $\begingroup$ I actually just figured it out. I'll give it a bit to see if anyone else comes up with it $\endgroup$
    – Kevin
    Sep 19, 2018 at 16:10
  • $\begingroup$ For the record, deletion of my semi-jokey answer of RADIO SILENCE is semi-unfair. Please note that it does fit the criteria of think of another two word phrase that has the same property, because I believe it does. $\endgroup$
    – El-Guest
    Sep 21, 2018 at 10:14

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
6
$\begingroup$

The thing they have in common is

The first three letters of the first word are the first three letters of a U.S. state capital. The first two letters of the second word are the postal abbreviation for that state.

Hence,

Property Rights => Providence, RI
Land Mine => Lansing, MI
Sales Order => Salem, OR
Color Scheme => Columbia, SC
India Ink => Indianapolis, IN

And another combination that would share that property would be

Monthly Allowance => Montgomery, AL

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ Mon and Mob? mistype? $\endgroup$
    – IT Alex
    Sep 24, 2018 at 13:42
  • $\begingroup$ @ITAlex lol, yes. Fixed. $\endgroup$
    – Kevin
    Sep 24, 2018 at 13:43
2
$\begingroup$

Probably not the complete answer, but they are all of the form

Noun modifier, Noun - where the second noun can also be used as a verb

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ Sorry, but wrong track $\endgroup$
    – Kevin
    Sep 21, 2018 at 16:48

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.