Theme: Change of Life
20. *Old West transport : STAGE COACH. LIFE COACH
40. *Trailways, for one : BUS LINE. LIFE LINE.
11. *Handsome guy or gorgeous gal : DREAM BOAT. LIFE BOAT.
34. *Temporary group for a specific job : TASK FORCE. LIFE FORCE.
60. Having financial freedom ... and, literally, what the last words of the answers to starred clues comprise : SET FOR LIFE
Melissa
here. Mostly a walk in the park, only one unknown, and perp help needed
with a few. Solved without realizing the clever theme.
Across:
1. Catnip or coriander : HERB
5. Throw in the towel : QUIT
9. Former "Idol" judge Paula : ABDUL
14. Old music halls : ODEA. Definition: A hall, theater, or other structure for musical performances. My unknown - maybe I'll remember next time.
15. Loosen, as laces : UNDO
16. Author John le __ : CARRE
17. Out of control : WILD
18. Road in old Rome : ITER. Latin for road, journey, or way.
19. Martial arts-based fitness routine : TAEBO. Can never remember if it's spelled with an I or E.
23. British brew with a red triangle in its logo : BASS
24. "Oops, almost forgot" : OH YEAH
25. Captain Marvel's magic word : SHAZAM
27. Felt sorry about : RUED
29. Workable, as an alternative : VIABLE
32. Good—and bad—dietary substances : FATS
35. Consumed : EATEN
38. Jiffy Lube supply : OIL
39. __ Fáil: Irish "stone of destiny" : LIA
42. Big fuss : ADO
43. Pennysaver contents : ADS
44. "Family Matters" nerd : URKEL
45. Kenton of jazz : STAN
46. Making a cake, say : BAKING
48. DVR pioneer : TIVO
51. Charlatans : FAKERS
54. Shoe polish targets : SCUFFS
58. Molecule part : ATOM
62. Bouquet __: chef's tasty bundle : GARNI. French for "garnished bouquet," a bundle of herbs gathered and tied into a bundle, usually to prepare soup or stew.
64. Retail complex : MALL
65. Took a tumble : FELL
66. One sent back down the river? : EX-CON
67. "Metamorphoses" poet : OVID
68. Russian river : URAL
69. Loses on purpose? : DIETS. Nice clue.
70. Nickname for José : PEPE
71. A great deal : LOTS
Down:
1. "In what way?" : HOW SO
2. Novelist Wharton : EDITH
3. Race with batons : RELAY
4. Annoys persistently : BADGERS
5. Pielike brunch serving : QUICHE
6. Golden rule word : UNTO
7. "Any more bright __?" : IDEAS
8. Olympic symbol : TORCH
9. Play a part : ACT
10. Words to a black sheep : BAA BAA
12. Metro regions : URBS. Not sure I've heard this shortened word before.
13. Many August babies : LEOS
21. Water in the Seine : EAU
22. Place of safety : HAVEN
26. Kindle read, briefly : ZINE
28. Furniture with a lock, maybe : DESK
31. North Carolina campus : ELON
32. Personal trainer's target : FLAB
33. Verdi princess : AIDA. Opera.
36. 23-Across, e.g. : ALE
37. Lean : TILT
40. Camp bed : BUNK. Too many letters for COT.
41. Impulses : URGES
45. Deeply expressive : SOULFUL
47. Emphatic denial : I AM NOT
49. Wagner princess : ISOLDE. More opera.
50. 48-Across ancestor : VCR
52. Swab again : REMOP
53. Avoid, with "off" : STAVE
55. Sporty '80s Pontiac : FIERO
56. Note equivalent to E : F-FLAT
57. Flies off the shelf : SELLS
58. Like much whiskey : AGED
59. Prepare for takeoff : TAXI
61. Toss of a coin : FLIP
63. Elected pols : INS
