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.
6WILLA?????✨ See Why
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.
7ITMAY?????✨ See Why
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.
8SLAYS?????✨ See Why
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.
9HENS????✨ See Why
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
1SWISH?????✨ See Why
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.
2TITLE?????✨ See Why
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.
3ELMAN?????✨ See Why
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.
4PLAYS?????✨ See Why
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.
5SAYS????✨ See Why
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.
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 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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