Will these words fly

[Corrleone]

I have two words in my crossword that are in question:

ATENTH
Clue: Remove ______ (decimate)
Will this clue and answer get past the editor at NYT? I see a couple of issues (1) using "a" and (2) longer than the five letter max for a fill in.

PHNO
Clue: either (1) Bus. Card information (phone number); or (2) Acid/Base measurement for short (i.e pH number)

Do you think this will fly?

[Todd G]

Both ATENTH and PHNO have been used, but mostly by Merl Reagle.  If you clue ATENTH in terms of tithing, an editor like Rich or Will might let it go...if they really like your puzzle.  PHNO seems to be more common in India than the U.S., but most people can figure it out, so again, they probably wouldn't like it much, but won't reject your puzzle because of it.

Generally, editors are quite good about telling you which entries they'd like you to change...if they like your puzzle overall.

Good luck!

—Todd