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“Be that as ___ ...” - LA Times Mini Clue

Across

  • A pedometer is a device that tracks physical activity by counting the number of steps a person takes. Therefore, the "measure" referred to in the clue is the number of steps recorded by the pedometer, making STEPS the correct answer.

  • The answer is WILLA because Willa Cather is the author of "My Ántonia," a classic novel published in 1918. The clue directly refers to her as the novelist associated with this work, making WILLA the correct solution.

  • The phrase "Be that as ___ ..." is a commonly heard idiom that completes as "Be that as it may." The answer, ITMAY, fits perfectly as it provides the expected continuation of this familiar expression, completing the thought.

  • The clue "Crushes it at the comedy club" uses informal language. In modern slang, "slays" means performing exceptionally well or impressing others. At a comedy club, a comedian who "slays" captivates the audience with their humor, essentially "crushing it" through an outstanding performance. This matches perfectly.

  • The clue "Barnyard cluckers" refers to animals on a farm that make clucking sounds. Hens, which are female chickens, are well-known for their clucking. "Barnyard" sets the farm context, and "cluckers" directly points to hens as the solution.

Down

  • The answer "SWISH" refers to the sound made when a basketball passes cleanly through the net without touching the rim or backboard. This is a common and satisfying noise during WNBA games, perfectly fitting the clue.

  • The answer "TITLE" fits because "Dame" and "Sir" are honorific titles granted to individuals, often as a recognition of their achievements or status. These are official terms of address that signify a bestowed title, explaining the connection to the clue.

  • The answer is ELMAN because Ziggy Elman was a prominent trumpeter during the Swing Era. He played with the Benny Goodman Orchestra and was known for his energetic style and contributions to classic swing tunes, such as "And the Angels Sing." This clue directly refers to him by name.

  • The solution "PLAYS" fits because Shakespeare in the Park is known for producing theatrical productions, specifically plays written by Shakespeare. The word "productions" in the clue directly refers to stage performances, making "PLAYS" a concise and accurate answer.

  • The clue "Verbalizes" means to express something in words. The answer "SAYS" aligns with this definition, as it describes the act of speaking or stating something aloud, effectively verbalizing thoughts or information.

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Solving today’s LA Times Mini Puzzle and stuck on the 5-letter answer to the “Be that as ___ ...” clue? Don’t worry, Lady Puzzle Pro has you covered! Whether you want the answer right away, revealed letter by letter, or this wordplay seems too puzzling, keep reading for the explanation.

“Be that as ___ ...” Answer Explained

The answer is ITMAY.

The clue “‘Be that as ___ …’” asks for the word that completes the idiomatic expression “Be that as it may,” meaning “nevertheless” or “despite that.” The trick here is the somewhat archaic phrasing — solvers might recall the saying from literature, formal writing, or old-fashioned speech rather than everyday conversation. Crossword clues often drop part of the phrase and rely on solvers to recognize the idiom. Paying attention to the context clue “Be that as” signals that the missing part is a single, short word, making ITMAY the precise and compact fill for the Mini grid.

Now that you've cracked the 7A “Be that as ___ ...” clue, you're one step closer to completing today’s LA Times Mini Puzzle! If you're still stuck on other clues, don't worry, we've got you covered. Explore more LA Times Mini crossword answers right here, or check out our tools for solving the LA Times Daily Crossword, Atlantic Crossword, or Bracket City, which are all free.

Today’s LA Times Mini Highlights

Today’s Thursday LA Times Mini mixes accessible clues with a few that lean on cultural or literary knowledge. Solvers needed to recognize a classic novelist, a Swing Era musician, and a slightly archaic idiomatic phrase, all of which could slow progress without crossletters. Playful entries, like the one about crushing it at the comedy club, add lively wordplay and keep the puzzle from feeling too dry. Overall, it balanced straightforward vocabulary with niche references, rewarding careful reading and a bit of outside-the-box thinking.

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