Yesterday’s LA Times Crossword Answers and Hints

The clue "Sandos with two spreads" uses casual slang: "Sandos" refers to sandwiches, and "spreads" refers to spreads like peanut butter (PB) and jelly (J). Together, these two spreads create a PB&J sandwich, popularly abbreviated as PBJs. Hence, PBJS is the answer.

Nobu is the solution because chef Nobu Matsuhisa co-founded this high-end restaurant chain, which combines Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences. The chain, globally recognized for its unique dishes and luxurious dining, is named after the chef himself, making "Nobu" the fitting answer.

The answer "POSSE" refers to a group of people who support or follow someone, commonly used to describe a celebrity's entourage. A "star" often has a close group of friends, fans, or assistants with them, matching the clue.

The clue "You know you want to!" suggests a casual, persuasive phrase often used in conversation. "CMON" is an informal contraction of "come on," fitting the tone and capturing that playful, encouraging nudge implied by the clue. The use of quotes signals spoken language.

The solution is ROOM because in a floor plan, a "unit" refers to an individual section or division of a building layout. A room, such as a bedroom, kitchen, or living room, is one of the fundamental units depicted in a floor plan.

The solution is IRAN because it is a country where the majority of the population speaks Persian, also known as Farsi, which is the official language of the nation. This aligns directly with the clue's description.

"H-Hour" is a military term referring to the specific time set for the start of an operation or mission. In this clue, "Operational launch time" directly points to this term, making HHOUR the correct solution.

The answer "THINE" fits the clue "Yours, in hymns" because it is an archaic possessive pronoun meaning "yours," often used in older or religious texts, like hymns or scriptures. Hymns frequently use such language for poetic or formal effect, making "THINE" the appropriate match.

The clue "Unoriginal reply" leads to ECHO because an echo repeats sound, just as an unoriginal reply mimics or repeats someone else’s words. This wordplay perfectly connects the concept of repetition to the notion of an unoriginal response.

The clue "Checkbook no." hints at a shortened form of a phrase associated with checkbooks. "No." implies "number," and a checkbook is tied to a bank account. The abbreviation for account is "ACCT," fitting the clue and crossword brevity conventions.

The answer "IBARS" fits because I-bars (or I-beams) are structural support pieces with flanged ends. Their cross-section resembles the letter "I," with top and bottom flanges providing strength and stability, commonly used in construction and engineering. The clue directly describes their flanged design and support function.

The answer is HALLE because it refers to Halle Bailey, an actress and singer best known for her role as Ariel in Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. The clue directly points to her last name, making HALLE the perfect fit.

The "Big Apple" refers to New York City, and "team" points to a sports team. The Yankees, often nicknamed "Yanks," are New York's Major League Baseball team, making YANKS the fitting answer for this clue.

The clue "Alpine course" refers to a sloping area in the Alps (or other mountainous regions), commonly associated with skiing. A "ski slope" is precisely such a course designed for skiing, making SKISLOPE the correct answer. "Alpine" specifically points to skiing in mountainous terrains.

The clue "Spoke like a boxer" involves a pun. "Boxer" refers to the dog breed, hinting at canine behavior. Dogs, including boxers, are known to "bark." To "bark" also means to speak in a sharp or curt manner, making "BARKED" the perfect fit.

The answer is LEIF because Leif Erikson, a Norse explorer from around the year 1000, is famously credited with being one of the first Europeans to reach North America, specifically Vinland (modern-day Newfoundland). The clue directly references his last name "Erikson," pointing to his first name, Leif.

The phrase "Into the latest gadgets" suggests a keen interest in technology or tech-related items. "TECHY" is an informal term describing someone who loves or is knowledgeable about technology, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning. Additionally, the playful tone fits the slightly casual vibe of "TECHY."

The clue "Call made behind one's back?" is a playful, pun-based hint. "Behind one's back" cleverly refers to the buttocks, and a "butt dial" occurs when someone accidentally makes a phone call by pressing buttons with their butt. Hence, the solution is BUTTDIAL.

The clue "Stayed in line" suggests adherence to rules or compliance. "OBEYED" fits perfectly as it means following orders, rules, or expectations, i.e., staying in line with authority. This interpretation aligns with both figurative and literal senses of remaining orderly or conforming.

The clue "Div. of Labor" suggests an abbreviation (Div. = Division) related to labor. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a federal division under the Department of Labor responsible for workplace safety and health regulations, making it the fitting answer.

The answer is VENUS because Venus Williams is a renowned tennis player who has won four Olympic gold medals: one in singles (2000) and three in doubles (2000, 2008, 2012) with her sister Serena. The clue specifically refers to her achievements.

The term "cusp" refers to a transition or edge, and "EVE" represents the day before a holiday (e.g., Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve), which is the transition point leading into the holiday itself. Thus, "Holiday cusp" cleverly points to EVE as the answer.

The solution "ALE" fits because it refers to a type of beer commonly brewed with hops, which impart a bitter, floral, or citrusy flavor. "Hoppy" directly hints at hop usage, a key ingredient in many ales, making it the fitting answer.

The word "snatch" means to seize or take something quickly, which aligns with the meaning of "grab." Both words convey a swift, often forceful action of taking. Hence, "grab" correctly fits as the concise solution for the clue "Snatch quickly."

The answer "WRAITH" fits because both "specter" and "wraith" refer to ghostly or spirit-like apparitions. In English, they are near synonyms, often used to describe a mysterious or eerie presence, aligning perfectly with the clue's meaning.

The answer "TIRED" fits because when someone is tired, they are physically or mentally fatigued and likely "ready for a break" to rest or recharge. The clue directly connects the state of being weary with the need for a pause.

The answer is TAHOE because Lake Tahoe is a well-known large freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada, near Carson City, Nevada. Its proximity to Carson City makes it the correct solution to the clue "Lake near Carson City." This is a straightforward geographical reference.

The clue "Charcuterie board selections" refers to various cured meat options often found on such boards. SALAMIS are a type of cured sausage frequently included in charcuterie spreads. The plural form "selections" aligns with the plural answer "SALAMIS," making it a perfect fit.

The clue "Retired record holder?" includes a pun. The iPod, which once "held" music (records) digitally, is now "retired," as production has ceased. The question mark signals wordplay, linking "record holder" to a device rather than a person, making iPod the fitting answer.

The clue "Production" and its answer "SHOW" relate because "production" can refer to a theatrical or televised performance, which is commonly called a "show." It ties to the idea of an event or presentation being "produced" for an audience, fitting the definition.

In the Greek alphabet, "Omega" is the last letter, and "Psi" directly precedes it. The clue refers to their sequential order in this context, making PSI the correct answer as the letter right before Omega.

Yoko Ono is a well-known artist, musician, and activist, particularly recognized for her involvement in peace initiatives alongside her late husband, John Lennon. "Activist Yoko" directly points to her last name, Ono, making it the correct and straightforward answer.

The clue "Stick on a pub wall" uses wordplay. A "stick" refers to a cue stick used in pool, a common game found in pubs. Pool cues are often hung or mounted on pub walls for storage or display, making "POOLCUE" the fitting answer.

The clue "Multivolume ref." refers to a multi-volume reference work. OED stands for the "Oxford English Dictionary," a renowned, multi-volume dictionary that serves as a comprehensive reference for the English language. The abbreviation fits the clue perfectly, highlighting its role as a multivolume reference.

CILANTRO is the solution because it’s a common herb found in Vietnamese cuisine, including bánh mì sandwiches. Its fresh, citrusy flavor complements the other ingredients. The clue explicitly asks for an herb on a bánh mì, and cilantro is a traditional and widely recognized choice for this dish.

The clue "Govt. securities" refers to government-issued financial instruments. TBILLS, short for Treasury Bills, are short-term debt securities issued by the U.S. Treasury to fund government operations and considered very secure investments due to being backed by the government. Hence, they are aptly "Govt. securities."

The word “Capacious” means spacious or roomy, and the clue refers to a type of "craft." An ARK, specifically Noah’s Ark from the biblical story, is a large, capacious vessel built to carry pairs of all animals, making it a fitting answer.

The clue "Rescue op?" involves wordplay indicated by the question mark. "Op" is short for "operation," and a common "rescue operation" is an evacuation. EVAC is a common abbreviation for evacuation, fitting both the "operation" and the shortened style of the clue.

"Knock, in slang" refers to criticizing or belittling someone, which is expressed as "DIS" in informal language. "DIS" is short for "disrespect," often used to describe a verbal put-down or insult, matching the clue's slang context.

The clue "Artemis org." refers to NASA, the U.S. space agency running the Artemis program. The Artemis missions aim to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable presence, with the goal of eventually sending astronauts to Mars. NASA oversees and leads this program.

The clue "__ complicated" is conversational and implies a commonly used phrase. The answer "ITS" completes the phrase “It’s complicated,” which is often used to describe a tricky situation. The clue's simplicity reflects how the phrase is directly recognized in casual speech.

The clue "Can refuse to" plays on the concept of choice or permission. "Needn't" is shorthand for "need not," indicating something is not necessary and can be declined or refused. Thus, it directly aligns with the idea of having the option to refuse.

The clue "Treats flavored with syrup" directly describes SNOCONES. Sno-Cones are a popular treat made of shaved ice, typically topped with flavored syrups for sweetness and color. The combination of ice and syrup perfectly matches the description provided in the clue, making SNOCONES the fitting answer.

The answer "DAM" fits because a dam is a large structure specifically built as a "project" to manage or control rivers, usually for purposes like water storage, flood control, or generating electricity. The clue directly references this type of river-related construction.

The solution "GYRATED" fits "Went in circles" because to gyrate means to spin or revolve in a circular or spiral motion. The verb directly describes the act of moving in circles, making it perfectly aligned with the clue’s definition.

The clue refers to "Siglo de Oro," which translates to "Golden Age" in Spanish. This was a flourishing period of arts and literature in Spain, during which figures like El Greco and Cervantes thrived. "Oro" means "gold" in Spanish, fitting the era's name.

The answer "ALA" means "in the style of" or "in the manner of," which aligns with the clue "Patterned after." It indicates that something is modeled after or inspired by another, fitting the clue’s intent perfectly.

The answer "IBIS" fits the clue "Long-legged wader" because an ibis is a type of bird known for its long legs and wading behavior in shallow waters, such as wetlands and marshes. It's a common crossword answer thanks to its concise structure and descriptive traits.

The answer "ZANE" refers to Billy Zane, the actor who played the character Caledon "Cal" Hockley in the 1997 film Titanic. The clue uses Billy as a direct reference to his first name, linking it to his full name in the context of the movie.

The clue "Fortnite Frenz 4 Ever Blaster, for one" refers to a type of toy weapon. The phrasing implies a playful connection, and "Blaster" hints at a brand. NERFGUN fits because Nerf makes toy blasters, commonly associated with games like Fortnite, known for similar themed items.

The clue "Select with a mouse" directly refers to the action performed when using a computer mouse to choose or select an item on the screen. The sound or act associated with pressing the mouse button is "CLICK," making it the correct answer.

The answer is CAMEL because camels are well-adapted to the arid Sahara Desert, and certain camel species, like dromedaries, are commonly found there. Additionally, camels produce milk, which is a staple for many nomadic communities in the region, making them an ideal "milk source in the Sahara."

The answer is FRESCO because it’s a technique of painting directly onto wet plaster, commonly used for creating murals. The term originates from the Italian word for "fresh," referring to the fresh plaster used in this art form. This aligns perfectly with "Mural on plaster" in the clue.

The answer is MATH because set theory is a fundamental branch of mathematics. It deals with the study of sets, which are collections of objects. The clue refers to an academic "subject" that encompasses set theory, making mathematics (MATH) the appropriate solution.

The prefix "NEO-" means "new." When combined with "natal," which relates to birth, "neo-natal" refers to newborns, especially in medical contexts like neonatal care for infants. Therefore, NEO is the correct prefix for this clue.

The clue "USPS abbr." refers to an abbreviation used by the United States Postal Service. AVE stands for "Avenue," a common street designation found in addresses and frequently abbreviated by USPS to save space on mailing labels.

The clue "__ Loops" refers to a well-known cereal brand, Froot Loops. The spelling "FROOT" is a deliberate stylization used by the brand, making it the correct answer for this clue. This relies on familiarity with the product's name and its distinctive marketing.

The clue "Court target" refers to the basketball court, where the main target is the hoop, the ring through which players aim to score points. This straightforward sports-related clue uses "court" to describe the setting, and "target" points to the goal, which is the HOOP.

The word "MEAGER" means lacking in quantity or quality, which aligns with "barely sufficient." It describes something minimal or insufficient to fully meet a need, making it the perfect fit for the clue. The match hinges on their shared connotation of being just adequate or scarce.

The answer is SEXOLOGY because it is the scientific study of human sexuality, encompassing sexual behavior, identities, and gender. Gender theory, which examines how gender is constructed and expressed, is a key component of this field, making SEXOLOGY the perfect match for the clue.

The New York Islanders are an NHL team part of the Metropolitan Division. "METRO" is a familiar, shortened way to refer to this division. The clue specifies "familiarly," signaling an abbreviated or colloquial form as the answer. Hence, METRO is correct.

The answer "CELS" refers to animation cels, which are individual sheets of transparent material used in traditional animation. Animators painted characters and scenes onto these sheets, which were photographed frame by frame to create animated films. These cels are highly collectible as pieces of art and animation history.

The phrase "Stumble over" can mean to physically trip over something. "TRIP ON" directly describes the act of stumbling over an object or obstacle. The verb "trip" combined with "on" aligns perfectly with the clue's meaning and context.

The solution "GLOSSARY" fits because a glossary is a section in books or documents that lists and explains specialized terms or jargon. The clue directly describes its function, making "GLOSSARY" the perfect answer.

The answer is KAHLO because "Dos Mujeres" (Two Women) is a well-known 1928 painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The Spanish title signals a connection to her heritage, and Kahlo is globally recognized for her impactful, culturally rich works reflecting Mexican identity and her personal experiences.

The answer "LACES" refers to the distinctive stitching found on a football (American football). Laces are a key feature allowing players to grip and throw the ball accurately. The clue, "Football features," points to physical characteristics of the ball itself, making "LACES" a fitting answer.

In this clue, "Scrub, as a mission," "scrub" is a synonym for cancel or call off, particularly in the context of halting a plan or action. The term "abort" is commonly used to describe canceling a mission, especially in technical or aerospace contexts, making it the fitting answer.

The answer is TTOP, which refers to a "T-top" car roof. A T-top is a sporty car roof featuring two removable roof panels, leaving a T-shaped support in the middle. It's associated with stylish, performance-focused cars, making it a perfect fit for "Sporty car roof."

The clue "Dish in a bowl" directly describes soup, which is commonly served in a bowl. Soup is a quintessential example of a dish that fits this description, making it the most straightforward and logical answer to the clue.

The clue "My stars!" is an exclamation, and when in quotes, it indicates the solution is a similarly expressive phrase. "EGADS" is an old-fashioned interjection used to express surprise or amazement, aligning perfectly with the astonished tone suggested by "My stars!".

In the Episcopal Church, a vicar is a clergy member who leads a parish or mission on behalf of a bishop, making "VICAR" an appropriate answer for this clue. The term specifically refers to a figure of authority within the Episcopal hierarchy.

Owls are known for their silent flight, a unique adaptation that allows them to hunt stealthily at night without alerting prey. "Stealthy flyers" describes this precise ability, making OWLS the perfect answer for the clue. It directly highlights their quiet, nocturnal flying nature.

Clark Kent is the secret identity of Superman, the iconic comic book superhero. "Smallville" refers to the small town where Clark Kent grew up before moving to Metropolis. Thus, the answer "KENT" refers to his surname, tying "Clark" and "Smallville" together.

The answer "DENS" fits because wildlife refuges are often places animals seek shelter or live in. A "den" is a common term for the protected home of many wild animals, such as foxes or bears, making it a fitting solution for the clue.

Ávila is the solution because it is a historic Spanish city known for its well-preserved medieval walls, surrounding the old town. These iconic 12th-century stone walls are a distinguishing feature of Ávila, making it fitting for "Walled Spanish city."

The answer ROOT relates to how pigs forage for food: they dig into the ground with their snouts, a behavior known as "rooting." The clue uses "dig" metaphorically to match this natural pig behavior, making ROOT the fitting solution.

The clue "Seeks information" directly suggests the act of inquiring or questioning. The word "ASKS" perfectly fits this definition, as it means to pose a question or seek knowledge, aligning with the clue's intent of pursuing information.