LA Times Crossword Answers & Hints – Solve Today’s Puzzle

The answer is DEB because Deb Perelman is a well-known food blogger, cookbook author, and creator of the popular blog "Smitten Kitchen," where she shares recipes and food stories. Her name is directly referenced in the clue, making DEB the correct solution.

The answer "RUES" works because "rue" means to feel regret, sorrow, or remorse about something, which directly matches the clue "Feels bad about." It is a concise synonym, aligning perfectly with the clue's straightforward wording.

The answer is AREA because it represents the measurement of a two-dimensional surface in geometry. Calculating area involves using mathematical formulas specific to shapes (e.g., length × width for rectangles). Since the clue refers generally to a "Geometric calculation," AREA fits perfectly as a fundamental concept.

The answer "BONGO" fits because bongos are small hand-played drums commonly used in Latin music, including salsa. They typically come in pairs and are integral to creating the rhythmic foundation in salsa compositions, aligning directly with the clue "Salsa hand drum."

The term "JUNKDNA" refers to noncoding DNA once mistakenly thought to have no function, hence "junk." This term is outdated because research has revealed functions for much of this genetic material, such as regulatory roles. The clue specifies "outdated," matching the now-discarded misconception in the term.

The answer is OREO because it is a popular cookie brand known for its wide variety of specialty flavors, such as mint, birthday cake, and peanut butter. Referencing "many specialty flavors" directly points to OREO's iconic status and its frequent introduction of unique variations.

The clue "Pride Month letters" refers to the observance of Pride, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, a foundational term representing this community. These are commonly associated letters during Pride Month, making "LGBT" the fitting solution.

The word "terse" means brief and to the point, often with minimal words. Since "Not wordy" describes something concise and avoiding unnecessary verbosity, "terse" directly fits the clue as its synonym.

The term "scoundrel" refers to someone unpleasant or bad, and "so-and-so" is a colloquial, informal way to describe such a person without calling them a harsher name. It implies disapproval while remaining non-explicit, making SOANDSO a fitting answer.

The answer "CLUB" completes the phrase "Country Club," which refers to a private recreational and social venue often located in rural or suburban areas. These clubs typically offer amenities like golf, tennis, and dining, fitting the "Country __" clue directly.

The clue "Tally" refers to counting or summing up things to get a total. "ADDUP" fits as it's a phrase meaning to combine numbers or things to arrive at a final sum, making it synonymous with "tally."

The phrase "terra firma" is Latin for "solid ground" or "firm earth." The clue "__ firma" directly points to this well-known expression, where "terra" (Latin for "earth" or "land") fills the blank fittingly. It's commonly used to describe stable, dry land.

The clue "Glitches" refers to small problems or setbacks. "SNAGS" is a synonym for such issues or obstacles, fitting as a concise and appropriate match. The plural form aligns with the plural form of the clue, ensuring grammatical consistency.

EDAM is the solution because it is a type of semi-hard cheese from the Netherlands traditionally wrapped in a distinctive red wax coating. The clue directly describes this notable feature, making EDAM the perfect match.

The answer "ETAL" is short for the Latin phrase et alii, meaning "and others." It is commonly used in lists to indicate additional, unnamed items or people. In this clue, "List ender" suggests a term commonly used to conclude or abbreviate a list, making ETAL the correct solution.

The clue "Klutz's move, perhaps" includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. A "klutz" is often clumsy, and a common clumsy action is to stumble or fall, which can be described as a "TRIP." Hence, "TRIP" fits as it relates to an accidental, clumsy move.

The answer "ROME" fits as the setting for "Ben-Hur" because the story, a classic novel and movie, largely takes place during the Roman Empire. It centers on ancient Rome's influence, including key events like chariot races and Roman authority, making ROME the accurate solution.

The clue "Hurry!" letters indicates an abbreviation associated with urgency. ASAP stands for "As Soon As Possible," a common phrase urging speed. The quotation marks in the clue suggest a verbal expression, aligning with ASAP as an acronym expressing urgency.

The clue "Peak transport" uses wordplay. A tram is often used to transport people up and down peaks, such as mountains or ski slopes. The word "peak" cleverly refers to mountainous areas, and a tram, like a cable car, is a common mode of transportation there.

SYRIA is geographically located directly to the east and northeast of Lebanon, making it a neighboring country. The clue "Lebanon neighbor" is straightforward, focusing on geography, and SYRIA is the accurate answer as it shares a prominent border with Lebanon in the Middle East.

The phrase "Bubbly beverage" refers to a drink that is carbonated or fizzy. SODA fits perfectly as it is a common term for carbonated soft drinks, well-known for their bubbly, fizzy nature from carbonation. The literal clue directly points to SODA as the solution.

The answer is EXPO because an "expo" is short for exposition, which is a large-scale event often held at convention centers to showcase products, services, or ideas. It directly aligns with the clue "Convention center event," as expos are commonly hosted in such venues.

The clue "Tuna holders" refers to common containers where tuna is stored and sold. Since tuna is frequently packaged in metal CANS, this makes "CANS" the correct answer. The clue is straightforward without wordplay, simply describing the practical item used to hold tuna.

The Brooklyn Nets are a professional basketball team (B-ballers) based in Brooklyn, New York. This clue uses "B-ballers" as shorthand for basketball players and "Brooklyn" as a direct reference to where the team is located, making NETS the correct answer.

ECTO is the solution because it serves as a prefix meaning "outer" or "external." It's used in scientific terms like ectoderm (outer layer of cells in an embryo) and ectoplasm (outer layer of a cell or supernatural substance in fiction).

The answer "YOYO" fits because it is a classic toy consisting of a string wound around an axle, allowing it to move up and down when manipulated. The clue directly describes this toy, as its defining feature is the string that enables its unique motion.

The answer "ELEANOR" refers to the famous Beatles song "Eleanor Rigby." The blank in the clue "__ Rigby" points to the surname "Rigby," and "Eleanor" completes the full name of the song's central character. This is a classic cultural reference.

The answer is REEL because it refers to the fishing gear that pairs with a rod. A fishing rod and reel work together, where the reel holds the fishing line and aids in casting and retrieving it, making them natural "partners." It's a straightforward, thematic connection.

The clue "Duds" is a slang term for clothing, and "THREADS" is also a slang word for clothes. Therefore, the connection lies in the synonymous usage of both terms in informal contexts, making "THREADS" the correct answer.

The "hammer head" in the clue refers to part of a hammer. A PEEN is the rounded or wedge-shaped end of a hammer head, opposite the striking face, typically used for shaping metal or creating dents, like in a ball-peen hammer. This fits the clue perfectly.

The clue "Rhombus, e.g." asks for a general classification of a rhombus. A rhombus is a geometric figure with specific properties, fitting the broader category of a "SHAPE." The abbreviation "e.g." signals an example, confirming SHAPE as the correct, general classification.

The answer is MESAS because mesas are flat-topped landforms typically found in Southwestern U.S. deserts. The term "flattops" describes their flat, table-like upper surface, and the Southwestern reference points to the region where they are most commonly located.

The answer "ARIOT" comes from the expression "a riot," a phrase used to describe something or someone extremely funny or entertaining, hence "eliciting many laughs." This type of light wordplay is common in crossword clues.

The clue "Domain" refers to a territory, sphere of influence, or area of knowledge. REALM is a synonym for domain, often used to describe a kingdom, field of expertise, or specific area of control, making it the fitting answer.

The answer "OCCUR" fits because it is a direct synonym for "Happen." Both words describe an event taking place or coming to pass, making it a straightforward and literal connection in this clue with no wordplay involved.

The solution "BALE" fits as packed hay because a bale is a tightly bound bundle of hay, straw, or similar materials, often used for storage or transport. The clue directly refers to how hay is commonly prepared and stored.

The answer "SLAV" fits because many Eastern Europeans belong to the Slavic ethnic group, which includes Russians, Poles, Czechs, Serbs, and others. The clue refers to this broader cultural/language group that is significant in Eastern Europe. "Many" signals it's not all but a large portion.

The clue "YouTube ad option" refers to the button viewers can use to bypass certain ads on YouTube. The answer is SKIP because YouTube often offers an option to "Skip" an ad after a few seconds, aligning with the clue's context and wording.

The clue "Therefore" directly corresponds to ERGO, as "ergo" is a Latin-derived word meaning "therefore" or "consequently." It's a straightforward synonym often used in logic or formal arguments to signify a conclusion. No tricks or wordplay are involved here, making ERGO the perfect fit.

The clue "Shaker filling" directly refers to what typically fills a salt shaker, which is SALT. The straightforward wording does not suggest wordplay, so the literal answer is SALT, a common table seasoning found in shakers.

The clue "Toodles!" is in quotation marks, indicating a spoken farewell. "Bye" is a common casual way to say goodbye, making it synonymous with "Toodles!" in tone and meaning. Thus, BYE is the correct solution.