The clue “I’m shocked!” sounds has quotation marks, indicating the answer involves a reaction or sound. When someone is shocked or surprised, they often audibly exhale in surprise, producing GASPS. This perfectly matches the description of “shocked” sounds.
6ONCLE?????✨ See Why
The clue specifies "in Paris," indicating the answer will be in French. The French word for “aunt’s husband” is “uncle,” which translates to ONCLE in French. This direct translation fits both the clue and its language requirement.
7TORUN?????✨ See Why
The answer is TORUN because Toruń, a historic city in northern Poland, is widely recognized as the birthplace of Nicolaus Copernicus, the renowned astronomer. The clue directly references this notable fact about the city's history, making TORUN the correct solution.
8ADAMS?????✨ See Why
The answer is ADAMS because John Adams is a prominent American composer who created the opera Nixon in China. This 1987 work is one of his most renowned compositions, dramatizing President Nixon's 1972 visit to China. His minimalist style made him a key figure in contemporary classical music.
9TEMPE?????✨ See Why
The answer is TEMPE because Arizona State University (ASU) is located in the city of Tempe, Arizona. This clue refers to the geographical site of ASU, making TEMPE the correct and logical solution.
Down
1GOTAT?????✨ See Why
The answer "GOTAT" works because "ascertained" means to figure out or obtain information. Informally, "got at" means to reach, understand, or grasp something—essentially, to ascertain. This casual phrasing matches the tone and meaning of the clue.
2ANODE?????✨ See Why
The ANODE is a key part of a battery where oxidation occurs, releasing electrons. In traditional batteries, it's the negative terminal during discharging (e.g., in a typical alkaline battery). Since the clue asks for a "Battery part," ANODE fits as it's fundamental to a battery's function.
3SCRAM?????✨ See Why
The clue “Out with you!” is in quotes, signaling a spoken phrase. SCRAM is a slang term often used to rudely tell someone to leave or go away immediately, matching the direct, dismissive tone of the clue. It captures the essence of "Out with you!" perfectly.
4PLUMP?????✨ See Why
The clue "Well-rounded, like Santa" describes Santa's traditionally depicted body shape, which is plump or chubby. "Well-rounded" here playfully refers to his physical roundness rather than a metaphorical meaning. Hence, PLUMP accurately captures Santa's jolly and rotund appearance.
5SENSE?????✨ See Why
The clue plays on the phrase "common sense," which refers to practical judgment or reasoning shared by most people. However, it's humorously noted as "not always common," highlighting how uncommon practical thinking can be. Therefore, the answer "SENSE" fits both the wordplay and the meaning.
Stuck on today’s LA Times Mini? Lady Puzzle’s here to help! Use the interactive grid to flip question marks and reveal letters one by one, check any clue in the list below, or uncover the whole puzzle at once. Plus, get explanations for why each answer works. Here is your go-to tool for solving the LA Times Mini (a free alternative to the now paid NYT Mini)!
Today’s Saturday LA Times Mini was on the tougher side, mixing cultural knowledge, foreign language, and science. Entries like TORUN (Copernicus’s birthplace) and ONCLE (French for “uncle”) stretched beyond everyday vocabulary, while GOTAT felt a little clunky but forced solvers to think past straightforward synonyms. Music fans had an edge with ADAMS, the “Nixon in China” composer, while ANODE leaned into science trivia. Balanced against accessible answers like SENSE and SCRAM, the puzzle offered a satisfying mix of quick wins and thoughtful challenges.
Here’s what caught our attention today:
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