Hidden critters

In each example, the word defined can be completed by inserting the name of a member of the animal kingdom. For instance, with the definition "criticized," BE_ _ _ ED is completed by inserting RAT to form BERATED.

  1. job: VO_ _ _ION CAT
  2. tap: S_ _ _OT PIG
  3. frown: S_ _ _L COW
  4. a play: D_ _ _A RAM
  5. slid: S_ _ _DED KID
  6. hatch: IN_ _ _ATE CUB
  7. from there: T_ _ _CE HEN
  8. bellicose: COM_ _ _IVE BAT
  9. extended: REN_ _ _D EWE
  10. traditional: CL_ _ _IC ASS
  11. Asian big shot: S_ _ _UN HOG
  12. unscrambled: DE_ _ _ED COD
  13. skillfully: D_ _ _LY EFT
  14. the sky: W_ _ _ IN ELK
  15. a charm: A_ _ _ _T MULE
  16. suffocate: S_ _ _ _ER MOTH
  17. board game: S_ _ _ _BLE CRAB
  18. on a ship: A_ _ _ _D BOAR
  19. shout: EX_ _ _ _ATION CLAM
  20. authorization: SI_ _ _ _URE GNAT
  21. very showy: F_ _ _ _OYANT LAMB
  22. held in common: S_ _ _ _D HARE
  23. removing clothes: DIS_ _ _ _ _G ROBIN
  24. capable of widening: EX_ _ _ _ _BLE PANDA

Note: Word 14 is uncommon.