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LA Times Mini Crossword Clues & Answers

Across

  • The answer is BAMBI because it refers to the young deer from Disney's classic 1942 animated film Bambi. This character is one of Disney's most iconic deer, making it the clear solution for the clue "Disney deer."

  • The answer "OCEAN" fits because giant squids are deep-sea creatures primarily found in oceans. The clue's use of "Home" suggests a natural habitat, and oceans are the vast aquatic environments where these giant cephalopods reside. There’s no wordplay here, just a straightforward definition.

  • The clue "Sidewalk artist’s medium" refers to the material commonly used by artists creating designs or drawings on sidewalks. CHALK is the solution because it’s a versatile, erasable medium ideal for outdoor pavement art, aligning perfectly with the clue's description of a "sidewalk artist’s" tool.

  • In square dancing, the caller directs dancers by giving commands or "calls" to guide their movements during the dance. These "calls" are essential for organizing the steps and patterns, making "CALLS" the perfect answer for someone who directs a square dance.

  • The clue "UFO navigators?" uses wordplay and refers to extraterrestrials (ETs), often depicted in popular culture as beings who pilot UFOs (unidentified flying objects). The abbreviation "ETs" stands for extraterrestrials, making it the fitting answer. The question mark signals the playful, indirect phrasing.

Down

  • The answer is BOCCE because it is a traditional Italian lawn bowling game. Players toss balls to get closest to a smaller target ball (the pallino). The clue directly references an "Italian bowling game," clearly pointing to this popular pastime. BOCCE originates in Italy, fitting the clue perfectly.

  • The clue "Let’s have ___" (“We should talk”) suggests a conversational phrase. The blank is completed by "a chat," which sounds like "ACHAT" when spoken. The answer plays on the phonetic similarity, making ACHAT the fitting solution. It's a pun, reinforced by the conversational tone.

  • The clue "Courses taken by foodies?" includes a pun indicated by the question mark. "Courses" can refer to parts of a meal (e.g., appetizer, entrée), while "taken by foodies" hints at consuming food. Therefore, the solution is MEALS, as they encompass the "courses" enjoyed by food enthusiasts.

  • Matzo Ball soup is a traditional Jewish dish featuring broth with dumplings made from matzo meal, known as matzo balls. The blank in "Matzo ___ soup" is correctly filled with "BALL," referencing the iconic and essential dumpling in this comforting meal.

  • The clue "Calligraphy supplies" refers to tools or materials used for the art of decorative handwriting. A key supply for calligraphy is INKS, as ink plays a crucial role in creating the smooth, flowing letters characteristic of calligraphy. Therefore, "INKS" aptly fits the clue.

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Today’s LA Times Mini Crossword Highlights

The Friday, November 7 LA Times Mini leans into variety mixing pop culture, wordplay, and a few niche references. A sweet Disney clue provides an easy foothold, while one about Italian lawn bowling adds some unexpected trivia. A conversational phrase clue feels natural but hides its article, forcing careful reading. Elsewhere, a science-fiction nod and a clever food pun keep the tone playful. It’s a well-balanced grid where vocabulary range and clue interpretation matter more than brute recall.

Here’s what caught our attention today:

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What is the LA Times The Mini Crossword?

The LA Times Mini Crossword is a daily, bite-sized puzzle from the Los Angeles Times. Designed for quick solving, it delivers the fun of a full crossword in a compact format that takes just a few minutes to complete. The puzzle is edited by Elizabeth C. Gorski, a veteran crossword constructor and editor who has also created puzzles for The New York Times and Zynga.

Key Features

  • Daily puzzles: A new mini crossword is released every day.
  • Free to play: No subscription required—accessible directly on the LA Times website.
  • Mobile-friendly: Optimized for quick, on-the-go solving.
  • Puzzle archive: Solvers can access past minis for extra practice.

How It Compares

  • Similar in style and size to the New York Times Mini Crossword, but created separately.
  • Remains free to play, unlike the NYT Mini, which now sits behind a paywall.

Why Play?

The LA Times Mini is perfect for anyone looking for:

  • A fast daily challenge.
  • A fun brain warm-up.
  • Crossword-style gameplay that’s approachable for beginners and still satisfying for seasoned solvers.

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