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

Across

  • The clue references two popular internet phenomena: the "Distracted Boyfriend" and "Surprised Pikachu," both of which are widely recognized as viral MEMES. Memes are cultural symbols or humorous images that spread rapidly online, making this the fitting answer.

  • The answer "OTT" refers to Mel Ott, a Hall of Fame baseball player who played for the New York Giants (now San Francisco Giants) from 1926 to 1947. Known for his powerful hitting, he was one of the greatest sluggers of his era, earning the clue "Giants slugger Mel."

  • The word "DIMS" corresponds to "Grows faint" because to dim means to lose brightness or intensity. For example, lights or vision can dim when they grow faint or weaken. This aligns perfectly with the clue’s meaning. It's a straightforward definition-based connection.

  • The word "EXALT" means to praise, glorify, or elevate in status or honor, making it a direct synonym of "Glorify." There are no alternate meanings or wordplay in this straightforward clue, aligning the answer precisely with the definition.

  • The answer is PHI because "Phi Beta Kappa" is a prestigious academic honor society in the United States, founded in 1776. PHI, the Greek letter, is the first part of the society's name, derived from its motto: “Philosophia Biou Kybernētēs” (“Love of learning is the guide of life”).

  • The phrase "Waiting, as champagne" is a subtle wordplay. Champagne is often chilled "on ice" while waiting to be served. "On ice" also metaphorically means kept in reserve or waiting, making ONICE the fitting solution.

  • The answer "GERMANSUB" refers to the submarine Indiana Jones secretly boards in the film "Raiders of the Lost Ark." It is a German U-boat (short for submarine) used by the Nazis, fitting both the description of a "vessel" and the movie's context.

  • The clue "Saw" refers to a proverb or adage, as "saw" can mean a widely accepted saying or piece of wisdom. A MAXIM is a short, pithy statement expressing a general truth or rule of conduct, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The answer "SETTO" fits "Brief fight" as it refers to a minor or short-lived quarrel or skirmish. The term "set-to" is often used informally to describe a quick, heated argument or confrontation, perfectly aligning with the clue's phrasing.

  • The answer is MIA because Mia Goth is an actress who starred in the films X and its prequel Pearl. Both movies are part of a horror trilogy directed by Ti West, and Goth is well-known for her performances in them, making her the fitting solution here.

  • The clue "Loan option, for short" suggests an abbreviated answer. "Refi" is short for "refinance," a common loan option where borrowers replace an existing loan with a new one, often to get better terms or interest rates. The abbreviation fits perfectly with the clue's phrasing.

  • Hank Aaron's record 2,297 refers to his career total of "RBIs" (Runs Batted In), a baseball statistic measuring the number of runs a hitter generates through their at-bats. "RUNSBATTEDIN" is the full phrase for RBI, making it the correct answer based on the context of the clue.

  • The clue "Divine" here plays on a synonym. To "divine" something means to predict or perceive it, often with a sense of foresight. FORESEE directly means to anticipate or predict, matching the clue's intent perfectly. No extra wordplay or tricks apply in this straightforward synonym clue.

  • The clue "Clothing line" is a wordplay hinting at a literal line in clothing. A SEAM is the line where two pieces of fabric are stitched together, making it a "clothing line." It’s not about a clothesline for hanging, but an essential part of garment construction.

  • The answer is OBOE because this woodwind instrument is traditionally crafted from African blackwood, a dense and durable material ideal for producing its rich and resonant tone. Known for its use in orchestras, the oboe’s construction from this wood is a well-established fact in musical instrument-making.

  • The prefix "INTER" means "between" or "among" and is commonly used in terms like "internet" (a network between networks) and "intercom" (a system for communication between rooms or locations). Therefore, "INTER" fits as the prefix for "net" and "com."

  • The word "abate" means to lessen, reduce, or diminish. Similarly, "ebb" refers to the receding or lessening of something, like the tide going out. Both share the idea of a decrease, making EBB a fitting answer for the clue "Abate."

  • In a gym context, "unit" often refers to a single performance of an exercise. "REP" is short for repetition, which is one complete motion of an exercise (e.g., one push-up or one squat). Therefore, "REP" is the correct answer for a gym unit.

  • The answer is SUNBEAR because this small bear species, native to Southeast Asia, is known for the striking orange/yellow crescent-shaped patch on its chest, resembling a rising or setting sun. "Ursine critter" refers to a bear, and the clue directly describes this unique characteristic of the sun bear.

  • The clue "Couple" directly suggests "two," which is synonymous with DUO. A duo is a pair or set of two individuals, often working or being together, which aligns perfectly with the definition of a couple.

  • The clue "Go green, perhaps?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "Go green" refers to changing color to green. The verb "DYE" fits perfectly, as it means to change the color of something, such as fabric, which could be dyed green.

  • The answer is WHEAT because "Shredded Wheat" is a well-known breakfast cereal made of shredded, processed wheat. The clue refers to this specific product, making WHEAT the logical completion of the phrase. The straightforward nature of the clue points toward this common food item.

  • The LIRA was the former currency of Italy before the adoption of the Euro in 2002. As a "Euro forerunner," it refers to one of the national currencies replaced by the Euro in participating European Union countries. Hence, LIRA is the correct answer.

  • The answer is LEAH because Leah Remini is a well-known actress, recognized for her role as Carrie Heffernan in the TV series The King of Queens. The clue directly refers to her last name, and "Actress Remini" clearly points to her first name, LEAH.

  • The clue refers to the birthplaces of LeBron James and Steph Curry. LeBron was born in Akron, Ohio, and Steph Curry was born in Akron as well, though he grew up elsewhere. Thus, by birth, they are both "Ohioans," residents native to the state of Ohio.

  • The phrase "Don't pull any shenanigans" suggests seriousness and a no-nonsense attitude. "MEAN BUSINESS" is an idiom that conveys exactly that—being serious, focused, and not engaging in playful or frivolous behavior, making it the perfect fit for this clue.

  • The answer is ACDC because "Let There Be Rock" is a famous song and album by the iconic rock band AC/DC, known for their hard rock style and electrifying performances. The clue directly references the band's work, making AC/DC the fitting solution.

  • The phrase "laid low" can mean staying out of sight or avoiding attention, which aligns with the action of "HID." To "hide" is to conceal oneself, often to lay low and remain unnoticed, making "HID" the fitting past-tense answer to this clue.

  • Ratso Rizzo is a key character in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, played by Dustin Hoffman. The clue directly references this character by name, making "RATSO" the correct answer. This direct connection to the film’s character provides the solution.

  • In music, a "coda" is a concluding passage that brings a piece or movement to an end, serving as its "ending." Since the clue uses "Musical endings," in the plural form, the correct answer is CODAS, reflecting the plural of "coda."

  • The clue uses wordplay. "Casual updos" refers to MESSY BUNS, a relaxed hairstyle. Additionally, "what can be found in the answers to the starred clues?" hints at those answers containing the word "MESSY" scrambled (a "bun" of letters). Both meanings fit "MESSYBUNS."

  • The answer "ELEGY" fits because an elegy is a mournful poem or song, often written to lament the dead. The term "woeful" in the clue directly aligns with the sorrowful nature of an elegy, making it the perfect solution.

  • The clue "Flock sound" refers to a noise made by a group of animals. A "flock" commonly describes a group of sheep, and the sound sheep make is "BAA." This matches the clue perfectly as a direct and simple association between the flock (sheep) and their vocalization.

  • Emma Roberts is the daughter of Julia Roberts' brother, which makes her Julia's niece. The familial relationship directly answers the clue: "Emma Roberts, to Julia Roberts," leading to the solution "NIECE."

  • The answer "IRES" comes from the verb "ire," which means anger or provoke. "Really ticks off" is a straightforward clue indicating an action that angers someone. Adding an "S" makes it a plural verb form, matching the syntax of the clue. Hence, "IRES" fits perfectly.

  • The answer is ALT because, on a standard QWERTY keyboard, the "ALT" key is located near the "Z" key, typically to the left or right of the space bar. The clue directly references its position, making this a straightforward answer.

  • The answer is OGDEN because it is a city in northern Utah, positioned slightly east of the Great Salt Lake. Known for its historical significance in railway development, Ogden falls geographically in the correct location described by the clue.

Down

  • The answer is MEG because Meg Griffin is the teenage daughter in the animated TV show Family Guy. She is a central character in the series, making this a straightforward clue referencing her role in the show.

  • The clue includes a question mark, indicating wordplay. "Awkward people to run into" hints at a socially uncomfortable encounter. "EXES" (former romantic partners) fits perfectly, as running into an ex can often lead to awkward or uneasy situations. The punning approach makes the answer clever and fitting.

  • The clue includes the Italian phrase "Frutti di __," which translates to "Fruits of the Sea." The missing word, "MARE," is Italian for "sea." This refers to a classic Italian seafood dish featuring various shellfish and seafood, making "MARE" the correct answer.

  • Boston Common is a famous public park with many trees. The clue refers to "one of many," and elm trees are a common type of tree found there. Thus, the answer ELMTREE fits perfectly as a literal description of one of the park’s many trees.

  • The clue "Position" is synonymous with "STATUS" as both refer to a person's rank, standing, or condition in a given context. For example, one’s "position" in society can indicate their "status," making the terms interchangeable in this scenario.

  • The clue "Black __" refers to Black Ops, which are covert or secretive military or espionage operations. "Ops" is short for "operations," fitting the blank. This is a straightforward fill-in-the-blank clue where "Black Ops" is a well-known term.

  • The clue "Flip (through)" suggests a quick review or browsing action, often associated with flipping through pages of a book or magazine. "THUMB" fits as it refers to the common action of using one's thumb to quickly flip through pages.

  • The tibia, also known as the shinbone, is a prominent leg bone located in the lower leg. It supports weight and connects the knee to the ankle. This straightforward clue, "Leg bone," directly refers to the tibia as a key component of the leg's anatomy.

  • The answer "DOM" refers to a title given to certain monks, particularly in the Benedictine or Carthusian orders, who reside in abbeys. It is an honorific title derived from the Latin "Dominus," meaning "Lord" or "Master," fitting the clue "Abbey title."

  • The phrase "Covered by one's insurance" refers to being within the scope of coverage. "IN AREA" cleverly plays on this, indicating being within the "area" covered by an insurance policy, aligning with the wordplay common in crosswords. It's a figurative interpretation linking "area" to coverage.

  • The clue "Found object art, often" refers to art created using diverse materials, including repurposed or "found" objects. "MIXEDMEDIA" aptly describes this as it includes multiple artistic materials or mediums combined in one piece, which is often characteristic of found object art.

  • N.K. Jemisin is a renowned author known for her speculative fiction, particularly science fiction (SCIFI) and fantasy. Her works, like The Broken Earth trilogy, blend advanced concepts, world-building, and imaginative storytelling, aligning with SCIFI as her genre. Thus, SCIFI aptly answers the clue.

  • The clue "Key with one sharp: Abbr." refers to a musical key that contains one sharp in its key signature. The key of E minor ("EMIN") fits, as it has one sharp (F#) in its key signature. "Abbr." signals the answer is abbreviated.

  • The clue "Zero" directly refers to the absence of quantity or value. The word "NONE" is synonymous with "zero," indicating nothing or no amount. In this context, the answer "NONE" perfectly aligns with the definition of zero.

  • The phrase "Totally stumped" implies confusion or being lost, paralleling the feeling of being "at sea," which metaphorically describes being adrift or uncertain. The wordplay ties the literal sense of being at sea with the figurative meaning of feeling puzzled or directionless.

  • The Seine is a major river that flows through northern France, including Paris, and empties into the English Channel at Le Havre. The clue directly refers to a river that leads to the English Channel, making SEINE the correct answer.

  • The clue "Region: Abbr." hints at a short form for a type of geographic area. TERR is the abbreviation for "territory," which represents a region or area, aligning perfectly with both the clue's request for an abbreviation and its meaning.

  • The answer "FORD" refers to the automaker Ford, which produces the Ford Expedition, a popular SUV. The clue involves wordplay, as "Expedition maker" hints at the manufacturer of the vehicle rather than an actual journey expedition.

  • The clue "Comply" means to follow orders, rules, or commands. "OBEY" is a synonym for complying, as it represents the act of submitting to authority or adhering to instructions, making it the correct solution for this straightforward clue.

  • The answer "ROPELADDER" fits because rope ladders are commonly used in obstacle courses as challenging components to test balance, strength, and agility. They are portable, versatile, and often included in military-style courses or adventure activities. Thus, they are an "often" found element in such setups.

  • LeBron James and Steph Curry are professional basketball players. The NBA (National Basketball Association) is the organization or league where they compete. Therefore, "Org. for LeBron James and Steph Curry" points directly to the NBA. The abbreviation "Org." also matches "NBA" as a three-letter acronym.

  • The answer is TETON because it completes the clue as "Grand Teton National Park," a well-known park in Wyoming, USA, named after the Teton mountain range. The clue hints at the park's full name directly, making TETON the fitting solution.

  • Aloe is commonly used to soothe and heal skin irritations, particularly burns. Therefore, a "burn" is a logical "target" for aloe, as it is applied to reduce pain, promote healing, and provide relief for such injuries. The answer aligns directly with aloe's well-known purpose.

  • The answer "BOAS" refers to feather boas, which are fluffy, scarf-like accessories often worn for fashion or costume purposes. The word "fluffy" in the clue directly hints at the soft, feathered texture of boas, making them the perfect fit for this clue.

  • SWAB is the solution because a deckhand is often responsible for cleaning the deck of a ship, a task that involves mopping or swabbing the deck. "Swab" also refers to the cleaning tool itself, linking it directly to the duties of a deckhand.

  • The clue "Totally!" is enclosed in quotes, signaling a conversational or spoken response. "UHHUH" is a casual, affirmative reply meaning "Yes" or "I agree," often used to express agreement or affirmation—essentially meaning "Totally!" in an informal tone.

  • The clue "Got clobbered" suggests a severe defeat or loss. "LOSTBIG" directly aligns with this idea, as it means losing heavily or significantly, whether in a competition, game, or situation. It’s a straightforward phrase embodying the sense of being decisively beaten or overwhelmed.

  • The phrase "Coop up" means to confine or enclose, much like what a coop does for chickens. "ENCAGE" aligns with this definition, as it means to put something or someone in a cage, effectively confining them. Both the clue and the answer suggest restriction or containment.

  • The clue “Feminine possessive” directly refers to a pronoun that indicates ownership by a female. The word "HERS" fits perfectly, as it is the possessive form used to denote something belonging to a woman or girl. It matches both the grammatical and contextual meaning of the clue.

  • The clue "My vote is to skip it" is in quotes, indicating the answer is a spoken phrase. "ISAYNO" directly matches the sentiment of rejecting an idea or skipping something. It reflects a verbal way to express disapproval or opting out, aligning perfectly with the clue.

  • MACE is the solution because it is a spice derived from the outer covering of nutmeg seeds, commonly used in baking. Traditional Scotch cookies, like shortbread, may include mace as a flavoring to add warmth and depth to the recipe.

  • The answer "ECOLI" refers to Escherichia coli, a commonly studied bacterium in biotechnology. It is widely used in genetic engineering and research as a model organism due to its rapid growth and ease of manipulation in labs, aligning perfectly with the clue "Biotech bacteria."

  • The answer "SIMBA" fits the clue "Disney lion" because Simba is the main lion character in Disney's The Lion King. He is a central figure in the story, known for his journey from a young cub to becoming the rightful king of the Pride Lands.

  • The clue "Perfect" and the answer "IDEAL" are synonyms. "Ideal" conveys something flawless, exemplary, or most desirable—the essence of perfection. This direct relationship makes "IDEAL" the accurate solution to "Perfect" in this context. No additional wordplay or modifiers are present in this straightforward clue.

  • The clue "Courted?" includes a question mark, signaling wordplay. Here, "courted" refers to legal action rather than romantic pursuit. To be "courted" in a legal sense implies being taken to court, which aligns with the legal action of being sued. Hence, the answer is SUED.

  • The answer "ONCE" works for the clue "As soon as" because "once" conveys immediacy—indicating that something happens right after another event. For example, "As soon as he arrived" or "Once he arrived" have the same meaning, linking actions closely in time.

  • The clue "Pt. of GPS" asks for a part of the acronym GPS (Global Positioning System). Using abbreviations, "SYS" stands for "System," which is included in the full term. The abbreviation "Pt." in the clue hints that we're looking for a shortened form. Hence, SYS fits perfectly.

  • The answer "SAT" is correct because "convened" refers to coming together or assembling. To convene often involves people sitting together for a meeting. "Sat" captures this idea of gathering, as people typically sit during such assemblies.

  • The clue "Capitol fig." uses abbreviation and wordplay. "Capitol" refers to the U.S. Capitol, where senators (SEN) work. "Fig." is short for "figure," hinting at an abbreviation. Thus, SEN (short for senator) is the correct answer, as senators are key figures in the Capitol.

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