Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 20 January 2025, Monday. Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
Accumulate : AMASS
The answer "AMASS" fits the clue "Accumulate" because it means to gather or collect a large amount of something.
Accumulate : AMASS
The word "amass" means to accumulate or gather together a large amount of something. It is a synonym for accumulate, making it the right solution for the clue.
Accumulate : AMASS
The word "amass" means to accumulate or gather together. It is a synonym for accumulate, making it the right solution for the clue.
Actress who played dance teacher Lydia Grant on “Fame” : DEBBIE ALLEN
Debbie Allen is the actress who played the role of dance teacher Lydia Grant on the TV show "Fame."
Agcy. that helps entrepreneurs : SBA
The answer "SBA" stands for Small Business Administration, an agency that provides support and resources to entrepreneurs.
Aliens, for short : ETS
The abbreviation "ETs" stands for "extraterrestrials," which is another word for aliens. Therefore, "Aliens, for short" can be clued as "ETS."
Aliens, for short : ETS
The answer "ETS" is short for extraterrestrials, which is another term for aliens.
Aroma : SMELL
The answer to "Aroma" is "ODOR" because an odor refers to a distinctive smell or scent, which is often associated with a pleasant or unpleasant aroma.
Aroma : SMELL
The word "aroma" refers to a pleasant smell or fragrance, so the answer "SMELL" fits perfectly as it is a synonym for aroma.
Back talk : SASS
The word "sass" is slang for impudent or disrespectful talk. Therefore, "back talk" which means impudent or disrespectful replies, is a synonym for "sass".
Back talk : SASS
The answer to "Back talk" is "SASS" because "SASS" is a colloquial term that means to speak impudently or disrespectfully in response to someone. It fits the clue as it refers to a form of verbal defiance or back talk.
Back talk : SASS
"SASS" is the right solution because "back talk" is a colloquial term for speaking to someone disrespectfully or impudently, which is exactly what "SASS" means.
Back talk : SASS
"SASS" is the right solution because "back talk" is another way of saying disrespectful or impudent speech, which is often referred to as "sass" in informal language.
Back talk : SASS
"LIP" is the right solution because "back talk" is a term used to describe speaking disrespectfully or rudely, and "lip" is a slang term that can mean the same thing.
Baked __ : dessert covered with meringue
The answer "Baked Alaska" fits because it is a dessert that is covered with meringue and then quickly baked in a hot oven to create a browned outer layer.
Battery part : ANODE
The answer "ANODE" is the right solution because it refers to a part of a battery that carries a positive charge.
Battery part : ANODE
The answer "ANODE" is the right solution for the clue "Battery part" because an anode is a positively charged electrode in a battery that attracts and receives electrons during the flow of electric current.
Battery part : ANODE
The "anode" is the positively charged electrode in a battery, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Battery part."
Breathe out : EXHALE
The answer "EXHALE" fits the clue "Breathe out" because to exhale means to breathe out or release air from the lungs.
Builds a nest egg : SAVES UP
The phrase "saves up" means to set money aside for the future, like building a nest egg for retirement.
Capital of Oman : MUSCAT
The capital of Oman is Muscat. It is a city located on the Arabian Sea and is the political and economic hub of the country.
Crafter’s online marketplace : ETSY
The answer "ETSY" fits the clue because Etsy is a popular online marketplace where crafters can sell their handmade goods.
Daddy : PAPA
The answer "PAPA" fits the clue "Daddy" because "PAPA" is a casual term for father in many languages, including English.
Dinner and a movie, perhaps : DATE
The answer "DATE" fits the clue "Dinner and a movie, perhaps" because going on a date often involves having dinner and watching a movie together.
Direct elsewhere : REFER
"Direct elsewhere" is a clue that suggests moving something to another place or person. The word "REFER" means to direct someone or something to another source or person, making it the right solution to this clue.
Direct elsewhere : REFER
The word "REFER" means to direct someone to something or someone else, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Direct elsewhere."
Distort, as data : SKEW
"SKEW" is the right answer because it means to distort or misrepresent data by presenting it in a biased or misleading way.
Distort, as data : SKEW
"SKEW" is the right answer because it means to distort or cause to be distorted. In the context of data, "skew" refers to a distortion or asymmetry in the distribution of data points.
Diviner’s deck : TAROT
The answer "TAROT" is the right solution because a diviner uses a deck of tarot cards to predict the future or provide insights into a person's life.
Drawn tight : TAUT
"Taut" means stretched or pulled tight, making it the perfect fit for the clue "Drawn tight."
Famous __ cookies : AMOS
The famous cookies are named after Wally Amos, the founder of the cookie brand.
Famous __ cookies : AMOS
Football players often needed in fourth-down plays : PUNTERS
"PUNTERS" are football players who specialize in kicking the ball down the field on fourth-down plays, typically when the team needs to punt the ball to the opposing team.
French pancake : CREPE
The answer "CREPE" fits the clue "French pancake" because a crepe is a thin pancake that originated in France.
Good gift for a handy homeowner, and what the ends of 17-, 23-, 35-, and 49- are? : WRENCH SET
The ends of the answers to the clues 17-, 23-, 35-, and 49- all refer to types of wrenches (TORQUE, ALLEN, PIPE, and BOX). A "WRENCH SET" is a good gift for a handy homeowner because it includes different types of wrenches for various tasks.
Greek portico : STOA
The answer "STOA" fits the clue "Greek portico" because a stoa is a covered walkway or portico commonly found in ancient Greek architecture.
Green pod that thickens gumbo : OKRA
Okra is a green pod commonly used in Southern cooking, including in gumbo. When okra is cooked, it releases a substance that helps thicken the stew, making it a key ingredient in gumbo.
Grub : CHOW
"EATS" is a synonym for "grub" meaning food or a meal, making it the correct solution for the crossword clue.
Grub : CHOW
The answer to "Grub" is "EATS" because "EATS" is a synonym for "grub," meaning to consume food. The clue "Short run" indicates that we need a short word, and "EATS" fits the criteria.
Grub : CHOW
"Chow" is a slang term for food, especially when referring to a meal. In this context, "grub" is also a slang term for food, making "CHOW" the appropriate answer.
Grub : CHOW
"Chow" is a slang term for food, especially in a military context. "Grub" is also a slang term for food, making "CHOW" a fitting answer for the clue.
Guys : HES
The word "Guys" is a colloquial term often used to refer to men or males in a casual or friendly way. Therefore, the answer "MEN" fits the clue "Guys" as it is a synonym for males.
Guys : HES
The answer to "Guys" is "DUDES" because "dudes" is a colloquial term used to refer to men or guys. It fits the clue "Guys" in a casual and informal context.
Guys : HES
"HES" is a contraction of "he is" or "he has," which can be used informally to refer to guys or men.
Guys : HES
The word "Guys" is a colloquial term often used to refer to males, making "MEN" the suitable answer.
Indy entrant : RACER
The answer "RACER" fits the clue "Indy entrant" because in the context of the Indy 500 or other similar races, a "racer" refers to a participant or entrant in the race.
Iranian currency : RIAL
The Iranian currency is called "RIAL." It is the official currency of Iran, and is commonly used in crossword puzzles to refer to the currency of Iran.
Key to exit a program : ESC
The answer "ESC" is short for "Escape" and pressing the Escape key on a keyboard is a common way to exit or cancel a program or operation.
Like a marching band, hopefully : IN STEP
The phrase "in step" means moving rhythmically and together, like members of a marching band would do.
Like groan-inducing jokes : PUNNY
The answer "PUNNY" is the right solution because groan-inducing jokes are often puns, which play on words to create humor.
Like most sandals : OPEN-TOED
The answer "OPEN-TOED" fits the clue "Like most sandals" because open-toed sandals have an open front, exposing the toes.
Lincoln’s locale : NEBRASKA
The answer is "NEBRASKA" because Lincoln is the capital city of Nebraska.
Literature class assignments : ESSAYS
The answer "ESSAYS" fits the clue "Literature class assignments" because essays are commonly assigned in literature classes for students to analyze and discuss literary works in written form.
Make a boo-boo : ERR
"ERR" is the right solution because "ERR" is a common abbreviation for error, which means to make a mistake or a boo-boo.
Make a boo-boo : ERR
"ERR" is the right answer because it is a common synonym for making a mistake or a boo-boo in English.
Maze rodent : RAT
The answer "RAT" fits the clue "Maze rodent" because rats are commonly associated with mazes in scientific experiments, like the famous rat mazes used in psychology studies.
Merit : EARN
"Rate" can mean a measure or degree of quality or achievement, which is similar in meaning to "Merit".
Merit : EARN
The word "EARN" is the right answer to the clue "Merit" because it means to deserve or be worthy of something, typically through hard work or effort.
Merit : EARN
"EARN" is the right solution for "Merit" because to merit something means to deserve it, which can be achieved through effort or work, such as earning a reward or recognition.
Muffler attachment on a car : EXHAUST PIPE
The answer "EXHAUST PIPE" fits the clue "Muffler attachment on a car" because the exhaust pipe is a component of a car's exhaust system that carries the exhaust gases away from the engine to the muffler and then out of the vehicle.
Noshed : ATE
The word "noshed" is a slang term meaning "to eat." "Ate" is a past tense form of the verb "eat," making it the correct solution to the clue.
Noshed : ATE
The word "noshed" is a slang term meaning to eat. The answer "ATE" is the past tense of the verb "eat," which fits the clue.
Noshed : ATE
The word "noshed" is a slang term meaning to eat food, and "ATE" is the past tense of the verb "eat," making it the correct answer.
Ocular opening : EYE SOCKET
The ocular opening refers to the bony socket in the skull where the eyeball is located. "Eye socket" is a common term used to describe this area.
Ocular opening : EYE SOCKET
The answer "EYE SOCKET" fits the clue "Ocular opening" because the eye socket is the bony cavity in the skull where the eye is located. It is the opening where the eye sits in the skull.
Pampering initials : TLC
The initials "TLC" stand for "tender loving care," which is often associated with pampering and taking care of someone or something.
Parcels (out) : DOLES
"Metes" is a verb that means to distribute or allot something, which fits with the clue "parcels (out)."
Parcels (out) : DOLES
The word "doles" means to distribute or divide something into portions, which fits the clue "Parcels (out)" perfectly.
Patient care pros : RNS
"RNS" stands for Registered Nurses, who are healthcare professionals that provide patient care. The abbreviation "RNS" is commonly used in crossword puzzles to refer to these professionals.
Patient care pros : RNS
"RNS" stands for Registered Nurses, who are healthcare professionals that provide patient care. The abbreviation "RNS" is commonly used in the medical field to refer to these professionals.
Peak in the Cascade Range : SHASTA
Mount Shasta is a prominent peak located in the Cascade Range in California. It is a well-known landmark and is often referred to simply as "Shasta."
Poker starting stake : ANTE
The term "ANTE" refers to the initial bet that each player is required to place before the cards are dealt in a game of poker. It is a standard practice in many poker variations, making it the correct answer to the clue "Poker starting stake."
Proposal fig. : EST
"Proposal fig." is a common crossword clue that is asking for the abbreviation for "estimated," which is "EST." It is often used in schedules or timelines to indicate when something is expected to happen.
Prynne of “The Scarlet Letter” : HESTER
Hester Prynne is the protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel "The Scarlet Letter." Therefore, the answer to "Prynne of 'The Scarlet Letter'" is "HESTER."
Rum and vodka cocktail : BRASS MONKEY
The answer "BRASS MONKEY" is a rum and vodka cocktail made with orange juice. It fits the clue because it is a popular mixed drink containing both rum and vodka.
Say out loud : UTTER
The answer "UTTER" fits the clue "Say out loud" because "utter" means to speak or articulate something audibly.
Share a border with : ABUT
"ABUT" means to share a common boundary or to touch along a border. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Share a border with".
Share a border with : ABUT
"ABUT" is the right solution because it means to share a common boundary or edge with something else. It is commonly used in geography to describe two areas that touch each other without overlapping.
Skip over in speech : ELIDE
"Elide" means to skip over or omit part of a word or phrase in speech. In this case, the clue is asking for a word that describes skipping over something in speech, making "ELIDE" the correct answer.
Some cars and trucks made in the early 1900s : REOS
REO Motor Car Company produced cars and trucks in the early 1900s, with the brand name REO being derived from the initials of Ransom E. Olds, the company's founder.
Song sung by sailors : SHANTY
A shanty is a type of song traditionally sung by sailors while working aboard a ship. It is often characterized by its rhythmic and repetitive nature, making it suitable for coordinating tasks such as hoisting sails or hauling ropes.
Spigot : TAP
The answer "FAUCET" fits the clue "Spigot" because a faucet is a device used to control the flow of liquid, typically water, from a pipe.
Spigot : TAP
The word "tap" is a synonym for "spigot," both referring to a device used to control the flow of liquid from a container.
Sponsored spots : ADS
The answer "ADS" fits the clue "Sponsored spots" because ads are short promotional messages paid for by businesses to be displayed in various media platforms.
Stamping need : INK PAD
The answer "INK PAD" is the right solution for the clue "Stamping need" because an ink pad is a small cushioned pad with ink on it that is used for applying ink to rubber stamps.
Stamping need : INK PAD
The answer "INK PAD" fits the clue "Stamping need" because an ink pad is a necessary tool for stamping to transfer ink onto the stamp before pressing it onto paper.
Stands in line : WAITS
The clue "Stands in line" suggests waiting in a queue, which is commonly known as "waits."
State known for potatoes : IDAHO
The state of Idaho is famous for its potatoes, making it the correct answer to the clue "State known for potatoes."
Stinks : REEKS
The clue "Stinks" is a synonym for "odors," which are unpleasant smells. Therefore, "ODORS" is the correct answer.
Stinks : REEKS
The word "reeks" is a synonym for "stinks", meaning to have a strong, unpleasant smell. It fits the clue perfectly.
Stopwatches : TIMERS
The answer to "Stopwatches" is "TIMERS" because stopwatches are devices used to measure and record the amount of time elapsed, and the word "TIMERS" accurately describes these devices.
Stopwatches : TIMERS
The answer "TIMERS" fits the clue "Stopwatches" because both stopwatches and timers are devices used to measure time.
Teensy : BITSY
The word "itty" is a shortened form of the word "itty-bitty," which means extremely small or tiny. It is commonly used to describe something that is very small in size, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Teensy."
Teensy : BITSY
The word "bitsy" is a colloquial term that means extremely small or tiny. It is often used to describe something small in a cute or endearing way. Therefore, "bitsy" is the right solution for the clue "teensy" because it perfectly captures the meaning of something being very small.
Teensy : BITSY
The answer "ITSY" is a synonym for "teensy," as in the phrase "itsy bitsy," meaning very small or tiny.
Teensy : BITSY
"WEE" is a synonym for "teensy," meaning very small or tiny. It is a common word used to describe something that is miniature in size.
Teensy : BITSY
The word "teensy" is a synonym for very small or tiny. "Bitsy" is a playful variation of the word "itsy-bitsy," which also means very small or tiny. Therefore, "bitsy" is a fitting answer for the clue "Teensy."
Times New __ : common font
The answer "common font" fits the clue "Times New __" because "Times New Roman" is a commonly used font in documents and publications.
Tiny : WEE
The word "wee" is a suitable answer to the clue "tiny" because it is a common synonym that describes something very small in size.
Tiny : WEE
"WEE" is a synonym for "tiny" or "very small", making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tiny : WEE
"WEE" is a synonym for "tiny" or "small" in the English language. It is a common word used to describe something that is on a small scale or size.
Tried out : TESTED
The word "Tried out" is a clue that suggests testing something, which can be synonymous with "TESTED."
V, on a battery : VOLTS
"V" is the symbol used to represent volts in the context of batteries and electricity. So, "V, on a battery" is a clue indicating the abbreviation for volts, which is "VOLTS."
Wagering site, briefly : OTB
"OTB" stands for "Off-Track Betting," which is a common wagering site where people can bet on horse races away from the racetrack. In crossword puzzles, "briefly" often indicates an abbreviation, making "OTB" the correct answer.
Yellow jacket, for one : WASP Down 1 Bonobo or gibbon
The answer is "WASP" because a yellow jacket is a type of wasp known for its yellow and black coloring.
“Buona __” : Italian “Good evening”
The answer to "Buona __" is "Italian "Good evening" because "Buona" is the Italian word for "good" and "sera" is the Italian word for "evening". Therefore, "Buona sera" translates to "Good evening" in English.
“Buona __” : Italian “Good evening”
The answer "Italian “Good evening”" fits the clue "Buona __" because "Buona" means "good" in Italian and "Buona sera" translates to "Good evening" in English.
“Can you please show me?” : MAY I SEE?
"MAY I SEE?" is the right solution because it is a polite way to ask someone to show you something. It is a common phrase used to request to view or examine something.
“Doctor Zhivago” actor Omar : SHARIF
Omar Sharif is a well-known actor who starred in the movie "Doctor Zhivago," making him the correct answer for the clue.
“Let’s just leave __ that!” : IT AT
This answer fits the clue because "Let's just leave it at that!" is a common expression meaning to stop discussing something further. The word "it" is followed by "at" to complete the phrase.
“__ the good times roll!” : LET
The phrase "Let the good times roll" is a common expression meaning to enjoy oneself and have a good time. In this context, "let" is the correct answer as it is the first word in the phrase.