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

Across

  • The word "dreary" means dull, bleak, or lifeless, which closely aligns with the definition of "drab." "Drab" commonly describes something boring, colorless, or lacking in vibrancy, making it the perfect synonym and solution for this clue.

  • The clue "Shock" directly relates to the answer "JOLT" because both words describe a sudden impact, surprise, or disturbance. Whether physical (like a jarring movement) or emotional (like startling news), a "jolt" perfectly fits the meaning of an abrupt "shock."

  • SCATS is the answer because it refers to "scat singing," a form of vocal improvisation in jazz where singers use nonsensical syllables or sounds instead of actual words. The clue, "Improvises vocally," directly points to this style of musical improvisation.

  • The answer is EURO because it is the official currency used by 20 countries within the Eurozone, a group of European Union nations that have adopted the euro as their shared legal tender. This aligns with the clue's reference to "currency in 20 countries."

  • The word "Desire" and "Urge" are synonymous, both referring to a strong feeling or impulse to do or have something. In crossword puzzles, simple synonyms like these are commonly used as clues and answers, making "Urge" a fitting solution for "Desire."

  • The answer "OLDEN" fits the clue "Like days long ago" because "olden" is an adjective that directly describes something from a distant past or old times. It aligns perfectly with the phrase "days long ago," referring to an earlier era in history.

  • The clue "Has-__" refers to the phrase "has-been," which is commonly used to describe someone or something that was once significant or successful but is no longer relevant. "BEEN" completes the phrase to make sense of this context.

  • The clue "Cornhusker st." refers to the nickname of Nebraska, whose residents are known as Cornhuskers (also the name of the University of Nebraska's sports teams). "St." abbreviates "state," so the answer is the abbreviation for Nebraska: NEBR.

  • The answer is AUDRA because Audra McDonald is a renowned actress and singer who stars in HBO's historical drama series The Gilded Age. This clue references her role in the show, making her first name the correct solution.

  • The answer is SAGEKOTSENBURG because Sage Kotsenburg was the first athlete to win the Olympic gold medal in men's snowboard slopestyle. This event debuted at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, where Kotsenburg made history by securing the gold with his creative and daring performance.

  • The clue "Not even" plays on the definition of numbers: even numbers are divisible by 2, while numbers that are "not even" are odd. Therefore, "ODD" directly answers the clue's straightforward definition. No puns or wordplay are involved here—it’s purely a matter of opposites.

  • The clue "Pilot's approx." refers to an estimate often relevant to pilots: Estimated Time of Departure, abbreviated as ETD. Pilots plan timing for flights, making ETD a suitable answer. The term "approx." signals an abbreviation or estimation, perfectly aligning with ETD.

  • The answer "PAS" works because "Dads" symbolizes the French word "papas" (informally referring to fathers). "Pas" (a shortened form) aligns with the crossword's use of a foreign language indicator by playing on the French term for dads. This is a linguistic, concise nod to "fathers" in French.

  • The clue "__-la-la" refers to the common phrase "tra-la-la," which is an expression often used to mimic a song-like or cheerful melody. "TRA" fits the blank as it completes this musical or playful phrase, making it the correct solution.

  • The clue "Problem in one's pants or pantry?" uses a pun, suggested by the question mark. ANTS fits as they can infest both clothing (causing discomfort) and food storage areas like a pantry. This playful wordplay connects the literal and figurative "problem" posed in the clue.

  • The clue "Burro" directly translates to "donkey" in Spanish. The word "ass" is another term for a donkey in English, making it the correct answer. This clue relies on recognizing the translation and the synonymous relationship between "ass" and "donkey."

  • Rosemary Clooney is a correct solution because she starred in the classic 1954 film White Christmas alongside Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen. She played Betty Haynes, one of the two Haynes sisters, making her a key "co-star" in this festive musical.

  • The clue "Where to see the big picture?" is a playful hint. IMAX refers to a cinema format known for its massive screens and high-resolution projection, allowing viewers to experience a "big picture" both literally and figuratively. The wordplay connects "big picture" to IMAX's immersive viewing experience.

  • The answer is ARA because Ara Parseghian was a legendary football coach for Notre Dame, featured in the movie Rudy. Parseghian is well-known for his time coaching the Fighting Irish, making this a straightforward trivia-based clue tied to sports history.

  • The answer is DECO because Erté, the pseudonym of artist Romain de Tirtoff, was a prominent designer associated with the Art Deco movement. Known for his elegant, geometric, and ornamental style, "Deco" directly references this influential artistic period that Erté helped popularize.

  • PEPPERMINT PATTY is the solution because she is a well-known character in the "Peanuts" comic strip by Charles Schulz. She is often portrayed as dozing off during class, adding a humorous and relatable quality to her character. This unique trait makes her the perfect fit for the clue.

  • The clue "Soccer fan's 'Bravo!'" is in quotes, indicating a spoken exclamation. Soccer fans often cheer "Ole!" to celebrate skillful moves or goals. "Ole" is commonly used in Spanish-speaking cultures, fitting the enthusiastic context of a soccer match. Thus, "Ole" is the perfect answer.

  • The answer is ASHE because Arthur Ashe was a legendary tennis player, known for his achievements including winning three Grand Slam titles. He was also the first Black man to win titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open, cementing his legacy as a tennis great.

  • The answer "SOO" refers to the Soo Locks, a famous set of locks in Michigan on the St. Marys River. These locks enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes by managing the elevation change. The name comes from Sault Ste. Marie, where the locks are located.

  • The clue "Wee" hints at "small" in a playful or Scottish vernacular sense. SMA is the Scottish dialect word for "small," making it a fitting and concise answer. Its brevity aligns with the clue's tone.

  • The clue "Rocket ending?" with its question mark signals wordplay. Here, "rocket" refers to a career skyrocketing upward or rapid success. The suffix "-eer" is commonly added to indicate someone who is involved in or excels at something (e.g., pioneer, engineer), making "EER" a fitting "ending" for "Rocket."

  • REO is the solution because it refers to the REO Motor Car Company, an early 20th-century automaker founded by Ransom E. Olds. REO is famous for producing the REO Speed Wagon, a precursor to modern trucks, giving us the answer tied directly to "Speed Wagon automaker."

  • The answer "HERBAL ESSENCES" fits because it is a shampoo brand famously marketed as "plant obsessed." Additionally, for wordplay, "HERBAL" refers to plants, and "ESSENCES" reflects the essential qualities shared by 20-, 34-, and 43-Across, likely incorporating herb or plant-related themes in their answers.

  • The answer is ASIAN because both sun bears and pandas are native to Asia. Sun bears are found in Southeast Asia, while pandas are native to China. The clue simply references their shared geographical origin.

  • The answer "ALKA" completes the trademarked brand name Alka-Seltzer, a well-known antacid and pain relief medicine. The prefix "Alka-" refers to the alkaline properties of the product, which help neutralize stomach acid. The clue directly points to part of this recognizable brand name.

  • CRAB is a common ingredient in California rolls, which typically include imitation crab (made from fish like pollock). The clue directly references an essential component of this sushi dish, making CRAB the straightforward and accurate answer.

  • The answer is PAOLO because Paolo Maldini is one of Italy's most legendary soccer players, known for his exceptional career with AC Milan and the Italian national team. His fame as a "soccer great" directly links his first name, Paolo, to the clue.

  • The clue "__-back" describes a descriptor or phrase paired with "back." "Laid-back" is a common compound term that means relaxed or easygoing. This fits the structure of the clue, completing it with a familiar and logical phrase.

  • The answer "UGLY" refers to the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling" by Hans Christian Andersen. In the story, the duckling is described as unattractive compared to others before growing into a beautiful swan. The clue directly alludes to this well-known narrative.

  • ESTER is the answer because esters are chemical compounds commonly responsible for pleasant, fruity, or floral scents. They occur naturally in essential oils and fruits, making them well-known as "fragrant compounds" in chemistry and everyday life.

  • The clue "Postseason honorees, briefly" refers to athletes recognized for their outstanding performance during a postseason (playoffs). "Briefly" signals an acronym. The answer, "MVPS," stands for "Most Valuable Players," who are typically awarded in postseason sports like baseball, football, or basketball.

  • The answer "ROTE" refers to a memorization technique focused on repetition without necessarily understanding the material. It aligns with the clue "Memorization technique" because rote learning involves committing information to memory by repetitive practice, making it a straightforward solution to the clue.

Down

  • 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.

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