Yesterday’s LA Times Crossword Answers and Hints

PESTO is the answer because it is a classic Italian sauce traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt. The clue describes two key ingredients, basil and pine nuts, which are signature components of pesto, directly pointing to this flavorful sauce.

The answer is ARIEL, the curious and independent mermaid from Disney's The Little Mermaid. She rebels against her father, King Triton, by venturing into the human world and making a deal with the sea witch Ursula, embodying the "rebellious" aspect of the clue.

"TIDED" fits the clue "Helped through hard times, with 'over'" because the phrase "tided over" means to assist someone in surviving challenging times, much like how tides physiologically "carry over" something. It's a figurative use of the word tide in this common idiom.

The "set crew" in theater or film is responsible for designing, assembling, and managing the set, including physical backdrops, props, and visuals that establish the environment for a scene. This environment is referred to as the SCENERY, making it their direct responsibility.

The answer "SMUG" fits the clue "Arrogant" because being smug implies an overly self-satisfied, superior attitude, which closely aligns with arrogance. Both terms convey a sense of someone displaying excessive pride or self-importance. "Smug" succinctly captures this demeanor in just four letters, aligning with the puzzle’s requirements.

The answer is EASEL because it literally supports a "work in progress" such as a canvas or artwork being painted or created. The clue plays on the idea of "support" as a physical structure assisting in the creation of art.

The answer "EXTRA" fits "Over-the-top" because the term "extra" is often used in a slang context to describe something excessive, dramatic, or exaggerated—essentially "over-the-top" behavior or style. This interpretation ties the slang meaning to the clue effectively.

In soccer, including the World Cup, "nil" is commonly used to mean a score of zero. The clue's "maybe" hints at wordplay, suggesting a possible score, such as 0–0. Thus, the answer "NIL" reflects the term used in sports commentary for zero.

The clue "Closes" directly aligns with the verb "SHUTS," as both mean to block or bring something (like a door or window) into a closed position. Both are synonyms in this context, making SHUTS the correct answer.

The clue "Angel hair and linguine" refers to types of pasta. Both are specific varieties of pasta shapes–angel hair is thin and delicate, while linguine is flat and narrow. The plural "pastas" matches the plural clue, as it encompasses these different types of pasta.

The answer is ANTENNA because an antenna is a key component of a radio that receives radio waves from the air, converting them into electrical signals for the radio to process. It directly functions as a "radio receiver," fitting the clue perfectly.

The answer "GEL" fits "Take shape" because it refers to the process of something solidifying or coming together, much like how a plan, idea, or substance "takes shape" as it forms or sets into a coherent or stable state.

The clue includes a quoted word ("Score!") and a question mark signaling wordplay. "Ole" is a jubilant cheer often shouted by fans at World Cup matches to celebrate exciting moments, sometimes resembling the enthusiasm of scoring a goal, making it a playful fit.

The clue "Fruity, frozen desserts" directly describes SHERBETS, which are sweet, tangy frozen treats often made with fruit flavors. The plural form "desserts" matches the plural "sherbets," ensuring grammatical alignment in the puzzle. This straightforward clue points clearly to the answer.

The answer "CEDED" works because it means "surrendered" in the sense of giving up possession, control, or territory to another party, often formally or legally. The clue isn't figurative or tricky; it directly points to this definition of relinquishing something.

The "Final Four" refers to the NCAA basketball tournament's semifinals and finals, games typically held in large indoor sports venues to accommodate big crowds. Such venues are commonly called arenas. Hence, "ARENA" is the fitting solution for the Final Four venue.

H.E.R. is a Grammy-winning artist known for her music in the R&B (Rhythm and Blues) genre. The clue directly references her style of music, making "RANDB" (a written form of R&B) the correct answer. This abbreviation is commonly used for the genre.

The answer is CHO because Margaret Cho is a well-known actress and comedian who played the character Teri Lee on the TV show Drop Dead Diva. The clue directly references this actress's role, making CHO the correct solution.

HARIBO is the correct answer because it is a famous German confectionery company, widely known as the creator of gummy bears. The brand's iconic Goldbears, introduced in 1922, are a global symbol for gummy bears, making HARIBO a "big name" in this candy category.

The phrase "end run" originates from football, describing a maneuver to evade defenders by running around them toward the field's edge. Figuratively, it refers to bypassing obstacles or avoiding direct confrontation—fitting the clue "Evasive maneuver" as the solution. It aligns perfectly with its metaphoric use.

The answer "TAZ" refers to the Tasmanian Devil, a popular character from Looney Tunes cartoons. Known for his wild, whirlwind-like behavior and devilish antics, he embodies the term "Toon devil." The use of "Toon" hints at animated characters, leading to this well-known example.

The clue "Catch" with no additional context or modifiers suggests its definition. "NAB" fits as it means to catch, seize, or apprehend something, often used in contexts like catching a thief or grabbing something quickly, aligning with the straightforward meaning of "catch."

The India Gate is a famous war memorial located in New Delhi, the capital city of India. The clue directly references the memorial, making DELHI the correct answer as it is the city where India Gate is situated.

The answer is DEGAS because Edgar Degas, a renowned French Impressionist painter, created the 1876 artwork titled L'Absinthe. It depicts a woman and man seated at a café, reflecting themes of isolation and modern Parisian life, making him the correct "painter" referred to in the clue.

The clue "Less sizable" suggests something smaller or weaker in size or strength. "PUNIER" is the comparative form of "puny," which means weak or insignificant in size. Therefore, "PUNIER" fits as it directly describes being less sizable or weaker compared to something else.

The clue "Butterfly honorific, for short" references Madame Butterfly, the famous opera by Puccini. "Mme" is the French abbreviation for "Madame," a respectful title for a woman, often used in opera and French culture. Thus, MME fits perfectly as the shortened honorific.

The solution "BIBS" fits because lobster dinners are often messy due to cracking shells and butter-dipping, requiring protection for clothing. Accoutrements are accessories, and bibs are commonly provided at such meals to keep diners clean, making this a practical and spot-on answer.

The prefix "ACRO-" means "high" or "extreme," and when combined with "-polis" (meaning "city" in Greek), it forms "Acropolis," referencing the high city or citadel, such as the famous Acropolis in Athens. Hence, ACRO fits as the prefix for "-polis."

The answer "BEAV" refers to Theodore "Beaver" Cleaver, Wally Cleaver's younger brother on the classic sitcom Leave It to Beaver. The show, which aired from 1957 to 1963, focused on their family life, hence "Wally's sitcom bro" directly points to "Beaver," shortened to BEAV.

The clue "Combat caregiver" directly points to MEDIC, as medics are medical personnel responsible for providing care and assistance in combat or battlefield situations. They are trained to treat injuries and save lives under intense circumstances, making "MEDIC" an apt and concise answer.

The word "PLIGHTS" refers to difficult or challenging situations, which aligns with the meaning of "predicaments." Both terms describe troubles or struggles someone might face, making "PLIGHTS" a fitting synonym and the correct solution for this clue.

The clue "Evita" name refers to Eva Perón, commonly known as "Evita," the First Lady of Argentina from 1946 to 1952. Her last name, Perón, comes from her marriage to Argentine leader Juan Perón. The musical "Evita" is based on her life. Hence, the answer is PERON.

The clue "Some Belgian blondes" refers to a type of beer. In Belgium, blonde ales are pale, golden-colored beers that are widely known and enjoyed. "Some" indicates there are multiple varieties, and "blondes" cleverly points to both the color and the beer style. Hence, the answer is ALES.

The Inca Empire originated in the Andes and reached its peak in what is today Peru. The term "cradle" signifies the origin or birthplace, making Peru the correct answer as it was home to the Inca's capital, Cusco, and the heart of their civilization.

The answer "EDGE" fits the clue "Slight advantage" because "edge" commonly refers to a small lead or upper hand in a competition, situation, or comparison. It conveys a minor benefit or advantage, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

The clue "Jamaican genre" directly references a music genre originating in Jamaica. Reggae is the iconic Jamaican music style known globally, developing in the late 1960s, characterized by offbeat rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. Its strong cultural association with Jamaica makes REGGAE the fitting solution.

The word "Gleam" refers to a soft or bright light, often suggesting a shiny or glowing quality. "SHINE" directly matches this meaning as it describes giving off light or brightness, making it a clear synonym and fitting solution to the clue.

The answer is DEPP because Lily-Rose Depp, an actress, is known for her role in "Nosferatu." She is the daughter of actor Johnny Depp, making her surname "Depp" a direct reference in the clue. The clue points to her full name, simplifying to her last name as the answer.

The clue "Not remote" suggests something that is physically present or at a specific location rather than distant or far away. The term "ONSITE" directly means "at the location" or "on location," fitting perfectly as it contrasts with being remote.

The "LASTLAP" is the final circuit or segment in a race, representing a racer’s ultimate opportunity to secure victory. The clue directly refers to a racer’s "final chance to win," aligning perfectly with this term commonly used in racing contexts.

The clue "Rolls-__" refers to the luxury car brand Rolls-Royce, known for its high-end automobiles. The answer "ROYCE" completes the brand name. This is a straightforward clue requiring knowledge of the famous car manufacturer.

The answer is TIE because a "tie" occurs when both teams or sides have equal scores at the end of regulation play. This situation typically leads to overtime as a way to break the tie and determine a winner, making it a direct precursor to overtime.

The clue "Some military figs." uses "figs." as an abbreviation for "figures," hinting that the answer is also an abbreviation. "SGTS" stands for "Sergeants," a common rank in the military, making it the correct and fitting answer.

The answer is WRENS because wrens are small birds known for their powerful, melodious songs despite their size. The clue combines "small" to reflect their petite stature and "loud songbirds" to highlight their vocal presence, making WRENS a fitting solution.

The answer "WHAMO" is correct because Wham-O is the toy company that originally manufactured the Hula Hoop. Known for iconic toys like the Frisbee and Super Ball, Wham-O’s Hula Hoop became a cultural phenomenon in the 1950s, making Wham-O synonymous with the product.

The solution "ILLINI" refers to the University of Illinois' athletic teams, known as the "Fighting Illini." The Big Ten is a collegiate athletic conference, and Illinois is one of its member schools. The clue's word "Fighting" directly points to the team's nickname.

The clue "Ur so funny!" is in quotes, signaling a spoken expression or reaction. "HAHA" represents laughter, which is a typical response to something humorous. It matches the casual tone and conveys the reaction to finding something funny, making HAHA the perfect fit.

The clue "Kerfuffles" refers to commotions or fusses, and "ADOS" is a term meaning disturbances, bustle, or unnecessary trouble. Its plural form matches the plural nature of the clue. This makes "ADOS" the precise and appropriate solution.

The clue "Trail" and the answer "PATH" are direct synonyms. Both words describe a route or track typically used for travel, walking, or movement. This is a straightforward definition clue with no wordplay involved, making PATH a perfect match for Trail.

The clue "Facts, for short" provides a hint that the answer is an abbreviated form of the word "facts." The word "INFO" is a commonly used shorthand or informal term for "information," which refers to facts or details. Hence, INFO is the fitting solution.

The answer is CAIN because in the Bible, Cain and Abel are the first two sons of Adam and Eve, making Cain Abel's brother. This clue is a straightforward reference to their relationship, with no wordplay involved.

The clue “Chipper” suggests someone lively, energetic, or in good spirits. SPRY directly aligns with this definition, as it means agile, lively, and full of energy—often used to describe someone nimble despite age. The synonymy captures the spirit of the clue perfectly.

The clue "Se __ español" includes "en español," signaling the answer is in Spanish. "Se habla español" translates to "Spanish is spoken," a common phrase indicating language ability or availability. "Habla" (means "speaks") completes the phrase correctly in this context.

The solution "ATEUP" aligns with the clue "Devoured" because "ate up" is a phrase meaning consumed or devoured entirely, typically referring to food or something figuratively consumed (e.g., attention or resources). The past tense ties directly to the action described in the clue.

The clue "Harshness" seeks a synonym. SEVERITY directly aligns, as it means strictness, harshness, or intensity. The word encapsulates a harsh or severe nature, fitting perfectly as a one-word equivalent. No wordplay or alternate meanings occur here, making SEVERITY the straightforward solution.

The clue "E'en if" uses a poetic or shortened form of "even if." Similarly, THO is a casual abbreviation of "though," which has the same meaning as "even if" in certain contexts. The parallel in informal or condensed language makes THO the fitting answer.

The answer is SONNET because Petrarch, an Italian poet, is renowned for his "Petrarchan sonnets," a 14-line lyric poem form expressing deep emotion. Many of his works, particularly to his muse Laura, are in this structure, making SONNET the fitting solution for this clue.

The clue "King or queen" refers to a ruler from a ruling family or bloodline. "Dynast" defines a member of a dynasty, typically someone with hereditary power, such as a king or queen. This fits the clue's figurative meaning rather than directly referencing chess pieces or gender.

The clue "Holds back" aligns with the answer DETAINS because "detains" means to restrain, delay, or hold someone or something back, often physically or by preventing progress. This synonym directly matches the definition implied by the clue without wordplay or tricky context.

The phrase "curry favor with" means to seek someone's approval or affection, often by trying to please them. "Woo" aligns with this definition, as it means to try to gain someone's favor, attention, or love through charm, effort, or appeal.

The clue "Not quite (there)" suggests an incomplete journey or progress. The answer, PARTWAY, means partially or part of the way to a destination, aligning with the idea of not entirely being "there" yet. It captures the sense of being midway or incomplete.

The clue "Court fig." uses abbreviation, suggesting a shortened form of a word related to court. "ATT" stands for "attorney," a key figure in a court of law. The abbreviation aligns perfectly with the clue's structure, making "ATT" the correct answer.

The answer "SALVES" works for the clue "Ointments" because salves are a type of medicinal ointment applied to the skin to soothe, heal, or protect. The term directly aligns with the clue as it refers to topical treatments, making it a perfect match.

The clue "Candle threads" directly points to WICKS, as wicks are the braided threads or cords in candles. These threads are essential for the candle to burn, as they draw up the wax, allowing the flame to stay lit. So, "threads" metaphorically refers to the wicks in candles.

The clue "Silly" directly aligns with the answer "INANE" because "inane" means lacking sense, significance, or meaning—essentially foolish or silly. Both terms describe something trivial or nonsensical, making "INANE" a precise synonym and a perfect solution for the clue.

The answer is REMIX because it refers to a reworked version of a song that often involves altering or adding to the original track. This fits the clue "New version of an existing song" perfectly, as remixes create fresh interpretations of pre-existing music.

The answer "PIETA" refers to Michelangelo's famous sculpture depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus after the Crucifixion. It is a Renaissance masterpiece housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, celebrated for its emotional depth and exquisite detail, embodying Michelangelo's renowned artistry.

The clue "__ acid" refers to a class of organic compounds. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are commonly associated with the term "acid" in biological and chemical contexts. The word "amino" fits perfectly as it completes the familiar phrase "amino acid."

HOSTA is the correct answer because it is a perennial plant known for thriving in shade. Its broad, decorative leaves make it a popular choice for shaded gardens, aligning perfectly with "shade-loving perennial" in the clue.

The answer "GUILE" fits the clue "Cunning" because both refer to cleverness or slyness, often involving deceit or trickery. "Guile" specifically denotes skillful, crafty manipulation to achieve a goal, perfectly aligning with the notion of being cunning. Both words share a synonymic relationship.

The answer is ORSON because Orson Welles was the director and co-writer of the iconic 1941 film Citizen Kane. This clue references his full name, highlighting his renowned role in cinema history as the creator of this groundbreaking movie.

The clue "Heads of France" involves a play on words. "Heads" here refers to literal heads, and since "of France" suggests French language, the answer is "TÊTES," the French word for "heads." This clever wordplay combines the clue's literal and linguistic hints.

The phrase "Get teary" refers to the act of producing tears, often as an emotional response. CRY fits as it directly describes this action, where teary eyes result from crying. The clue and answer align in definition and tone without requiring deeper wordplay or alternate interpretations.

The answer "ITEM" works because it refers to a single thing (one thing alone) or a romantic couple often referred to as “an item” (two people together). The dual meaning fits the clue's phrasing perfectly. This clever wordplay creates a concise, fitting solution!

The clue "Que. neighbor" refers to Quebec (Que.), a Canadian province. Its neighbor geographically is Ontario, abbreviated as ONT. The abbreviation aligns with the style of the clue. Hence, ONT is the correct answer.

The clue "Whopper" with a question mark suggests wordplay or a double meaning. Here, "Whopper" doesn't refer to the burger but to something big or exaggerated — specifically, a big untruth or falsehood. Thus, the answer is LIE, a synonym for a fabricated story or exaggeration.

The answer is WAR because "Why Can't We Be Friends?" is a famous song by the funk band WAR, released in 1975. The clue references the band associated with this well-known song, making WAR the correct solution.