2x-1

Synonyms are words that mean the same thing, or almost the same thing, in some context. For example, "machine" and "engine" or "boat" and "ship" -- in some contexts, those words are almost interchangeable.

The other day I noticed that the word PANACHE is almost exactly a combination of the synonyms PAIN and ACHE, with one letter I dropped. (Panache is what you have if you are stylish and confident. It's like elegance, but with more oomph.)

So, I wrote a program to go and bang synonyms together and see if they're one letter away from other words. Imagine my delight when there were a few, but not too many, of these. Here's a selection of the ones I liked best. See if you can figure them out!

Riddle:

1.

Take two synonyms for to hand over something. Put them together, drop one letter, and if you're that you let others tell you what to do.

2.

Take two synonyms for what you do on a bus. Put them together, drop one letter, they make something you do in the street.

3.

Take two synonyms for butt. Put them together, drop one letter, get a different body part.

4.

Take two synonyms for what you do when you pick something up. Put them together, drop one letter, it's something you might do when you're nervous.

5.

Take two synonyms that describe groups. Put them together, drop one letter, get something you can take with you.

6.

Take two synonyms for what young lovers do to each other. Put them together, drop one letter, get calm and quiet.