Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 21 January 2025, Tuesday. Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with LA Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
Absolut rival : SKYY
"Absolut" and "SKYY" are both popular vodka brands, making them rivals in the vodka market.
Air traffic org. : FAA
The answer "FAA" stands for Federal Aviation Administration, which is the organization responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in the United States.
Airplane assignment : SEAT
The answer "SEAT" fits because passengers are assigned specific seats on an airplane for their journey.
Alcove : NOOK
The word "nook" is often used to describe a small, secluded space or alcove within a room, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Alcove."
Always, poetically : E’ER
"E’ER" is a poetic way of saying "ever." In crossword puzzles, it's common to see poetic language used for a more creative and challenging clue.
Assistant : AIDE
The word "assistant" is a synonym for "aide," which is a person who helps or supports someone in their work.
Assistant : AIDE
The word "assistant" is synonymous with "aide," which means a person who helps or supports someone else in their work.
Ballplayer’s hat : CAP
The answer to "Ballplayer's hat" is "CAP" because a cap is a common type of hat worn by ballplayers during games.
Ballplayer’s hat : CAP
The answer "CAP" is the right solution because a ballplayer typically wears a cap as part of their uniform while playing baseball or another sport.
Barn-raising sect : AMISH
The Amish are known for their tradition of barn-raising, where members of the community come together to help build a barn for a fellow member. This practice reflects their strong sense of community and cooperation, making "AMISH" the right answer for the clue "Barn-raising sect."
Beginning stage : ONSET Down 1 First Amendment advocacy gp.
The word "onset" means the beginning or start of something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Beginning stage."
Beginning stage : ONSET Down 1 First Amendment advocacy gp.
The answer is "ONSET" because the clue "Beginning stage" is a synonym for "onset," which means the initial phase or the start of something.
Big name in peanut butter candy : REESE’S
The answer "REESE’S" is the right solution because Reese's is a big name in peanut butter candy, known for their popular peanut butter cups.
Candy heart words : I LUV U
The answer "I LUV U" fits the clue "Candy heart words" because it is a common phrase found on candy hearts that is short and sweet, expressing love in a simple way.
Careful examination : CLOSE LOOK
The answer "CLOSE LOOK" fits the clue "Careful examination" because a close look implies a thorough and detailed examination of something. It conveys the idea of scrutinizing or inspecting something carefully.
Completely unplanned : SPUR OF THE MOMENT
"SPUR OF THE MOMENT" means something that is done without any prior planning or preparation, which fits the clue "Completely unplanned." It captures the idea of acting on impulse or suddenly, without thinking ahead.
Eggy holiday drink : NOG
The answer "NOG" is the right solution because "nog" is a term commonly used to refer to eggnog, a popular holiday drink made with eggs, milk, and usually spiked with alcohol like rum or brandy.
Facial tissue brand : KLEENEX
Kleenex is a well-known brand of facial tissues, often used synonymously with facial tissues themselves. It is a popular and recognizable brand in the market.
Family : CLAN
The word "KIN" is a synonym for family, referring to one's relatives or family members.
Family : CLAN
"Clan" is a group of people with a common ancestor or shared interests, which fits the definition of a family. In this context, "clan" is a suitable synonym for "family."
Family : CLAN
The word "clan" is often used to refer to a group of people with a common ancestor or shared background, making it a fitting synonym for "family."
Family : CLAN
"Kin" is a synonym for family. It is a concise and common term used to refer to one's relatives.
Fencer’s handful : HILT
The hilt is the handle of a sword or fencing weapon, which a fencer would hold during a match.
Fib : LIE
The word "fib" is a synonym for a small or harmless lie, and "lie" fits perfectly as the answer to this clue.
Fib : LIE
The answer "LIE" fits the clue "Fib" because a fib is a small or trivial lie, making "LIE" the appropriate word to match the meaning of the clue.
Fireplace stack : LOGS
The answer "LOGS" fits the clue "Fireplace stack" because logs are commonly stacked in a fireplace to create a fire.
Folk tales : LORE
"Lore" is a synonym for traditional knowledge or stories passed down through generations, which is often found in folk tales.
Food package abbr. : NET WT
The abbreviation "NET WT" stands for "net weight," which is commonly seen on food packaging to indicate the weight of the product without including the weight of the packaging.
Former Russian rulers : TSARS
The answer "TSARS" refers to the former rulers of Russia known as Tsars or Czars. They were the monarchs of Russia before the Russian Revolution in 1917.
Fountain drink : SODA
The answer to "Fountain drink" is "SODA" because soda is a common term for carbonated beverages that are often served from a fountain dispenser.
Fountain drink : SODA
The answer "SODA" fits the clue "Fountain drink" because soda is a common type of beverage that is often dispensed from a fountain machine in restaurants or fast food establishments.
Gael, for one : CELT
The answer "CELT" is correct because a Gael is a person of Celtic origin, so the word "CELT" is a fitting description.
German auto : AUDI
The answer to "German auto" is "AUDI" because Audi is a well-known German automobile manufacturer.
German auto : AUDI
AUDI is a German auto manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles, making it the correct answer to the clue "German auto."
Give off : EMIT
The word "emit" means to give off or release something, such as light, heat, gas, or an odor. Therefore, "emit" is the correct answer to the clue "Give off."
Give off : EMIT
"Give off" is a synonym for "exude," which means to emit or release something, such as a scent or an emotion.
Give off : EMIT
"Give off" is a phrasal verb that means to release or produce something, such as light, heat, or a scent. The word "emit" is a synonym for this action, making it the correct answer.
Give off : EMIT
"Give off" is a clue that indicates something is being released or produced. "Emit" means to give off or release something, making it the correct answer.
Gymnast Comaneci : NADIA
Nadia Comaneci is a famous gymnast who achieved the first perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympics. "Gymnast Comaneci" is a clear clue pointing to Nadia as the answer.
Gymnast Comaneci : NADIA
Nadia Comaneci is a famous gymnast known for scoring the first perfect 10 in Olympic history. The clue "Gymnast Comaneci" is a clear reference to her, making "NADIA" the correct answer.
He/__ pronouns : HIM
The answer is "HIM" because "He" is a pronoun used to refer to a male, and "HIM" is the objective form of "He".
He/__ pronouns : HIM
"HIM" is the correct answer because the clue is asking for the pronoun that comes after "He," which is the objective form of the pronoun.
Heartless : CRUEL
The word "heartless" can be synonymous with "cruel," as someone who is heartless lacks compassion or kindness, which are traits often associated with cruelty.
High-fiber cereal ingredient : BRAN
"BRAN" is the right answer because it is a common ingredient found in high-fiber cereals that helps promote digestion and overall gut health.
Invitation to a dog while patting the bed, perhaps : HOP UP
This answer fits the clue because "Hop up" is a common phrase used to invite a dog to jump onto a bed or other elevated surface.
Large coffee dispensers : URNS
The word "URNS" refers to large containers that are used to hold the ashes of a cremated person. In the context of the clue, "URNS" can also refer to large coffee dispensers that are typically used at events or gatherings to serve coffee to a large number of people.
Large coffee dispensers : URNS
"URNS" are commonly used to dispense large quantities of coffee at events or gatherings. They are designed to keep the coffee hot and are a popular choice for serving coffee to a large number of people.
Length x width : AREA
The formula for calculating the area of a rectangle is length multiplied by width. Therefore, "Length x width" is a direct clue for the answer "AREA."
Length x width : AREA
The formula to calculate the area of a rectangle is length x width. Therefore, the answer to "Length x width" is "AREA".
Like Vera Wang and I.M. Pei : CHINESE-AMERICAN
The clue mentions two well-known individuals, Vera Wang and I.M. Pei, who are of Chinese descent and have become prominent in their respective fields. The answer "CHINESE-AMERICAN" fits as it describes their heritage and nationality, indicating that they are of Chinese descent but are also American citizens.
Luxury watch brand : ROLEX
Rolex is a well-known luxury watch brand that has been around for over a century, known for their high-quality and prestigious timepieces. It is a popular choice among watch enthusiasts and is often associated with luxury and status.
Manicure targets : NAILS
"NAILS" is the right solution because manicures typically involve cleaning, shaping, and painting the nails on the hands or feet.
Many Christmas trees : CONIFERS
The answer to "Many Christmas trees" is "PINES" because pine trees are commonly used as Christmas trees.
Many Christmas trees : CONIFERS
"Conifers" are a type of tree that includes popular Christmas tree varieties like pine, spruce, and fir. They are known for their needle-like leaves and cone-bearing fruit, making them a common choice for Christmas decorations.
Muscular strength : SINEW
"SINEW" refers to a tough fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, which is essential for muscular strength.
Newspaper income source : AD PAGE
"AD PAGE" is the right answer because newspapers generate a significant portion of their income from selling advertising space on their pages. This source of revenue is crucial for newspapers to sustain their operations.
Numbered musical composition : OPUS
"Opus" is a term used to label a numbered musical composition, typically in classical music. It helps to identify and catalog a composer's works in a specific order.
Opera heroine, often : SOPRANO
"SOPRANO" is the right answer because sopranos are typically the female lead characters in operas, making them the heroines of many opera stories.
Paella vegetables : PEAS
"PEAS" are commonly used as a vegetable in paella, a traditional Spanish dish. They add both color and flavor to the dish, making them a fitting answer to the clue "Paella vegetables."
Pop singer Sands : EVIE
"Pop singer Sands" is a clue that refers to the singer Evie Sands. The answer "EVIE" fits the clue by matching the name of the pop singer.
Rum and curaçao cocktail : MAI TAI
The answer "MAI TAI" fits the clue because it is a well-known cocktail made with rum and curaçao, among other ingredients.
Shakespearean king with three daughters : LEAR
King Lear is a Shakespearean play where the main character is King Lear who has three daughters: Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Shakespearean king with three daughters" is "LEAR."
Showroom sample : DEMO
"DEMO" is the right solution because in a showroom, a "DEMO" is a demonstration or display model used to showcase a product to potential customers.
Simon Cowell’s competition show, briefly : AGT
"AGT" stands for "America's Got Talent," which is a competition show that Simon Cowell is known for being a judge on.
Soak (up), as gravy : SOP
"SOP" is the right solution because "sop" means to soak up liquid, especially gravy, with a piece of bread or other food. In this context, "sop" is the correct word for soaking up gravy.
Social groups that work on embroidery projects, or what can be found three times in this puzzle? : SEWING CIRCLES
The answer "SEWING CIRCLES" fits the clue because it refers to social groups that come together to work on embroidery projects. Additionally, the phrase "SEWING CIRCLES" can be found three times in the puzzle, making it a fitting and consistent solution.
Soup scoop : LADLE
A ladle is a large spoon with a long handle, typically used for serving soup. It is commonly referred to as a "soup scoop" due to its function in scooping and serving soup.
Spanish two : DOS
The answer "DOS" is the Spanish word for "two." In Spanish, "dos" is the numeric equivalent of the English word "two."
Studio co-founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and others : UNITED ARTISTS
United Artists was a film studio co-founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and others in 1919. It was a pioneering venture where artists had more control over their work compared to traditional studios.
Super Mario Bros. console : NES
The answer is "NES" because the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was the console on which the game Super Mario Bros. was originally released in 1985.
Symbol of Christianity : CROSS
The cross is a widely recognized symbol of Christianity, representing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is prominently displayed in churches and worn as jewelry by Christians.
Table support : LEG
A table is typically supported by four legs, making "LEG" the correct answer for "Table support."
Taken __ : surprised
The answer "startled" fits the clue "Taken __" because it means to be surprised or alarmed.
Taken __ : surprised
Telluride or Escalade : SUV
The clue "Telluride or Escalade" is asking for a type of vehicle. Both Telluride and Escalade are popular models of SUVs, so the answer "SUV" fits the clue.
The red planet : MARS
"MARS" is known as the red planet because of its reddish appearance caused by iron oxide, or rust, on its surface. It is a common nickname for Mars in astronomy, making it the correct answer to the clue "The red planet."
The “A” of IPA : ALE
The answer to "The 'A' of IPA" being "ALE" is because IPA stands for India Pale Ale, and the "A" in IPA represents the word "Ale."
The “A” of IPA : ALE
The "A" in IPA stands for "ale," as IPA stands for India Pale Ale.
Think (over) : MULL
"MULL" is the right solution because "MULL" is a verb that means to think over carefully.
Tupperware toppers : LIDS
The answer "LIDS" fits the clue "Tupperware toppers" because lids are the covers that go on top of Tupperware containers to keep the contents fresh and secure.
Unpleasant, as details : GORY
The word "gory" is often used to describe details that are unpleasant or gruesome, especially when talking about violent or graphic situations.
Without any extras : NO FRILLS
The phrase "no frills" means without any extras or unnecessary additions, making it the right solution for the clue "Without any extras."
__ and kicking : ALIVE
The phrase "__ and kicking" is an expression meaning still active or alive. Therefore, the answer "ALIVE" fits the clue.
__ and kicking : ALIVE
The phrase "alive and kicking" is a common expression used to indicate that someone or something is still active and doing well. Therefore, "ALIVE" is the right answer to the clue "__ and kicking".
__ Vegas : LAS
The answer to "__ Vegas" is "LAS" because Las Vegas is a city in Nevada, USA, and "Las" is the Spanish word for "the", so "Las Vegas" means "The Vegas".
__ Vegas : LAS
The answer "LAS" is the abbreviation for Las Vegas, a well-known city in Nevada. It is commonly used in travel and airport codes.
“Alfie” star Michael : CAINE
Michael Caine is the actor who starred in the movie "Alfie," making "CAINE" the correct answer.
“Bad” prefix : MAL-
The prefix "MAL-" is commonly used to indicate something bad or negative. For example, "malfunction" means a bad functioning, and "malicious" means having bad intentions. Therefore, "MAL-" is the right solution for the clue "Bad prefix."
“Bad” prefix : MAL-
The prefix "MAL-" means "bad" in Latin, so it fits the clue "“Bad” prefix" perfectly.
“Get me outta here” button : ESC KEY
The "ESC KEY" is the button on a keyboard that is commonly used to exit or cancel a function, making it the perfect answer for the clue "Get me outta here" button.
“My Fair Lady” composer Frederick : LOEWE
The answer is "LOEWE" because Frederick Loewe is the composer of the musical "My Fair Lady."
“Pretentious? __?” : MOI?
The answer "MOI?" fits the clue because it is a playful and slightly pretentious way of saying "me?" in French. It captures the tone of the question and the hint of self-importance.
“Sunflowers” and “Water Lilies” : PAINTINGS
The answer "PAINTINGS" fits because "Sunflowers" and "Water Lilies" are famous paintings by the artist Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet, respectively.
“The Bear” Emmy winner Jeremy __ White : ALLEN
Jeremy Allen White is the actor who won an Emmy for his role in the TV show "The Bear." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "ALLEN."