On-air challenge: Every answer today is a two-word phrase like READY RED, in which the first word is an adjective ending in -y, and the second word sounds like the first one without that -y.
Ex. Mideast ruler who trembles --> SHAKY SHEIK
1. Hirsute animal that hops
2. Flying mammal that's nuts
3. Male offspring who has an optimistic outlook
4. Numerous fellows
5. Nobleman who arrives prematurely
6. Wacky singer Malik formerly of One Direction
7. Vowels that are simple to draw
8. Powerful little arachnid
9. Very small prong on a fork
Last week's challenge: Last week's challenge came from a listener named Dave, who's from the city and state that's the answer to this puzzle. Name a U.S. city and its state — 12 letters altogether. Change two letters in the state's name. The result will be the two-word title of a classic novel. What is it?
Answer: Eugene, Oregon --> Eugene Onegin by Alexander Pushkin
Winner: Rob Hardy of Dayton, Ohio
Next week's challenge: What common three-word expression — 14 letters in all — has only N and G as consonants, and otherwise is all vowels?
If you know the answer to next week's challenge, submit it here. Listeners who submit correct answers win a chance to play the on-air puzzle. Important: Include a phone number where we can reach you at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 27.
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