Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 24 January 2025, Friday. 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.
Act charitably : DONATE
"Act charitably" is a clue that suggests giving help or support to those in need. The word "DONATE" means to give something, usually money or goods, to a cause or organization in need, making it the correct answer to this clue.
Actress Bassett : ANGELA
Angela Bassett is a well-known actress in Hollywood, making "ANGELA" the correct answer for the clue "Actress Bassett."
After expenses : NET
"Net" refers to the amount remaining after expenses have been deducted. It is commonly used in financial contexts to represent the final amount of money or profit.
After expenses : NET
"Net" refers to the amount remaining after deductions or expenses have been taken into account. In financial terms, it represents the final amount of money or profit.
Best of both __ : WORLDS
The phrase "Best of both worlds" means having the advantages of two different things at the same time. In this case, "worlds" refers to the two different things or situations that are being combined to create the best outcome.
Billiard table accessory : RACK
The answer "RACK" is correct because a rack is a triangular frame used to arrange the billiard balls before the game starts.
Bracket favorite : ONE-SEED
The term "one-seed" refers to a team that is ranked first in a tournament bracket, often considered a favorite to win.
Brouhaha : HOOPLA
The word "ado" means a state of excitement or fuss, which is similar to the meaning of "brouhaha."
Brouhaha : HOOPLA
The word "HULLABALOO" is a synonym for "Brouhaha," meaning a noisy and chaotic situation. It fits the clue well in terms of both meaning and length.
Brouhaha : HOOPLA
"STIR" is a synonym for "brouhaha," which means a noisy and overexcited reaction to something. Both words convey a sense of commotion or uproar.
Brouhaha : HOOPLA
"ADO" is the right answer for "Brouhaha" because "ado" means a state of agitation or fuss, which is synonymous with brouhaha.
Brouhaha : HOOPLA
"HOOPLA" is a synonym for "brouhaha," meaning a noisy and overexcited reaction to something. It fits the clue well in terms of meaning and length.
Calls for : WARRANTS
The word "calls" can mean "requests" or "demands," and "sends" can mean "dispatches" or "delivers," which makes it a suitable synonym for "calls (for)."
Calls for : WARRANTS
"WARRANTS" can mean calls for or justifies something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Calls for."
Channel that often airs films in letterbox format : TCM
The answer "TCM" stands for Turner Classic Movies, a channel known for airing classic films in their original aspect ratio, often in letterbox format.
Chevy model named for an animal : IMPALA
The Chevy model named "IMPALA" is named after the African antelope known for its speed and agility.
Cleveland pro : CAV
The Cleveland Cavaliers, a professional basketball team, are commonly referred to as the Cavs.
Closest pals : FAM
"FAM" is a slang term that is short for "family," and it is commonly used to refer to close friends or loved ones as if they were family. So, in the context of the clue "Closest pals," "FAM" is a fitting answer to describe a tight-knit group of friends who are like family to each other.
Coated pill : CAPLET
The answer "CAPLET" fits the clue "Coated pill" because a caplet is a type of medication that is shaped like a capsule but is coated for easier swallowing.
Course for intl. students : ESL
The answer "ESL" stands for English as a Second Language, which is a course designed specifically for international students to learn English.
Dos y dos : CUATRO
The clue "Dos y dos" translates to "two plus two" in Spanish, which equals "CUATRO," the Spanish word for "four."
Double chin : MIRROR IMAGE
Driving aid : TEE
The answer "TEE" is the right solution because a tee is a small peg used in golf to elevate the ball before hitting it. In the context of the clue "Driving aid," a tee is commonly used to assist in driving the golf ball off the tee box.
Driving aid : TEE
unknown
Electric guitarist’s need : AMP
The answer "AMP" is short for amplifier, which is a necessary equipment for an electric guitarist to make their instrument louder.
Evil eyes : SUPER BAD
Female kin : NIECE
"NIECE" is the right answer because a niece is a female relative who is the daughter of one's sibling.
Flash __ : MOB
Ford model named for a city : TORINO
The Ford model named "Torino" was named after the city of Turin in Italy.
Go around : ORBIT
The word "BYPASS" means to go around or avoid something, making it the correct answer to the clue "Go around."
Go around : ORBIT
"Go around" can mean to move in a circular path, which is what an object does when it orbits around another object in space. Therefore, the answer "ORBIT" fits the clue.
Gooey sandwiches : S’MORES
This is the right solution because "S'MORES" are gooey sandwiches made with marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, commonly enjoyed as a campfire treat.
Grasped : GOT
The word "held" means to have grasped or to firmly grip something. It is the right answer because it fits the clue "grasped" perfectly.
Grasped : GOT
"Grasped" can be synonymous with "understood" or "comprehended," and "got" can also mean to understand or grasp a concept. In this context, "got" is a suitable answer for the clue.
Grisham’s field : LAW
John Grisham is a well-known author of legal thrillers, so his field of expertise is law. Therefore, the answer to "Grisham's field" is "LAW."
HS proficiency test : GED
The answer "GED" stands for General Educational Development, which is a series of tests that certify high school academic skills. So, "HS proficiency test" refers to the GED test.
Ink spot? : TAT
The answer to "Ink spot?" is "TAT" because "TAT" is a small spot or mark made by ink.
Ink spot? : TAT
The clue "Ink spot?" is a play on words, suggesting a spot made by ink. "TAT" can refer to a tattoo, which is made with ink, making it the right solution.
Insect’s legs, e.g. : SESTET
Led : DIRECTED
"Led" is a synonym for "helmed," which means to be in charge or control of something, like leading a team or project. So, "HELMED" is the right answer for the clue "Led."
Led : DIRECTED
The word "led" can be a synonym for "directed," as in leading a group or project in a certain direction.
Less prosperous : POORER
The word "poorer" is the comparative form of "poor," indicating a lesser degree of wealth or prosperity. In the context of the clue "Less prosperous," "poorer" is the most fitting answer.
Massage : RUB
The answer to "Massage" is "KNEAD" because kneading is a technique commonly used in massages to apply pressure and manipulate muscles and tissues.
Massage : RUB
The word "rub" can be a synonym for "massage," as both involve applying pressure to the body to relieve tension or promote relaxation.
Mathematician Turing : ALAN
The clue is asking for the name of a mathematician and the answer is "ALAN" because Alan Turing was a famous mathematician who is widely known for his contributions to computer science and code-breaking during World War II.
Mathematician Turing : ALAN
Alan Turing was a famous mathematician known for his work in computer science and code-breaking during World War II. He is widely considered to be the father of theoretical computer science and artificial intelligence.
Mischievous type : RASCAL
"RASCAL" is the right solution because a rascal is commonly known as a mischievous or playful person, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Mischievous type."
Natl. Pizza Mo. : OCT
The abbreviation for National Pizza Month is "Natl. Pizza Mo." The month being referred to here is October, which is commonly known as National Pizza Month. Therefore, the answer is "OCT."
Nowhere near : AFAR
The answer "AFAR" means at a great distance, which is the opposite of "Nowhere near." It fits the clue by indicating a significant distance away.
Nowhere near : AFAR
The answer "AFAR" means a great distance away, which is the opposite of "Nowhere near." It fits the clue by indicating a significant distance.
Numeral : DIGIT
The word "numeral" refers to a number or a symbol representing a number. A "digit" is a symbol used to represent numbers, such as 0-9. Therefore, "digit" is the right answer for the clue "Numeral."
One official language of the U.N. : CHINESE
The answer is "CHINESE" because it is one of the six official languages of the United Nations.
Org. with a summer All-Star break : MLB
MLB stands for Major League Baseball, which is the organization that has a summer All-Star break where the top players from each league compete in an All-Star game.
Parade VIP : ST PAT
"ST PAT" is the abbreviation for Saint Patrick, who is a VIP in parades, especially on St. Patrick's Day.
Party bites : CANAPES
"Canapes" are small, decorative appetizers typically served at parties. They are designed to be eaten in one or two bites, making them perfect for social gatherings.
Pays to play : ANTES
The answer "ANTES" is the right solution because in certain card games, such as poker, players are required to make a small initial bet called an "ante" in order to participate in the game.
Pays to play : ANTES
The term "antes" refers to the money that players put into the pot before the hand begins in poker. So, "pays to play" is a clue hinting at this concept of placing a bet to participate in the game, making "ANTES" the correct answer.
Person who prefers platonic relationships, for short : ARO
"ARO" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for aromantic, which refers to a person who prefers platonic relationships over romantic ones.
Pleasantly calm : SERENE
"Serene" means calm and peaceful, making it a perfect fit for the clue "pleasantly calm."
Protective talisman : AMULET
An amulet is a small object worn to bring protection or good luck. It is commonly believed to ward off negative energy or evil spirits, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Protective talisman."
Render unreadable, in a way : SHRED
The answer "SHRED" fits the clue because shredding a document makes it unreadable.
Ride for a few days : RENTAL
The answer "RENTAL" fits the clue "Ride for a few days" because when you rent something, like a car or bike, you typically use it for a short period of time before returning it.
Riveted : RAPT Down 1 Guitar-playing “Sesame Street” Muppet
School space that’s full of drawers : ART ROOM
The answer "ART ROOM" fits the clue because an art room typically has drawers filled with art supplies such as pencils, markers, and paintbrushes.
Seattle’s airport-sharing neighbor : TACOMA
The answer is "TACOMA" because Tacoma is a city in Washington that shares an airport with Seattle, called Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, also known as Sea-Tac Airport.
Semisolid hair product : GEL
"GEL" is the right solution because it is a semisolid substance commonly used to style and hold hair in place. It fits the description given in the clue.
Shocked sounds : GASPS
The answer "GASPS" is the right solution because when people are shocked, they often make a sudden intake of breath, which is commonly referred to as a gasp.
Shocked sounds : GASPS
"GASPS" is the right solution because it is a common expression people make when they are shocked or surprised, typically a sudden intake of breath.
Short “We’ll announce this later” : TBD
"TBD" stands for "To Be Determined," indicating that the announcement will be made at a later time.
Sketch on a dust jacket : BIO
The answer "BIO" is short for "biography," which is a common type of sketch found on a dust jacket, providing a brief overview of the author's life.
Smart mouth : WELL-DRESSED
Stay behind : SHADOW
The answer "SHADOW" fits the clue "Stay behind" because a shadow is something that follows or stays behind a person or object as it moves.
Steel part of a work boot : TOE CAP
The steel part of a work boot that covers the front of the foot for protection is called a "TOE CAP." It is a common feature in work boots to provide safety and durability.
Story that might be dark and creepy : ATTIC
The answer "ATTIC" fits the clue "Story that might be dark and creepy" because attics are often portrayed in stories as mysterious, eerie, and potentially haunted places, making them a common setting for dark and creepy tales.
Stuffy nose : STRAITLACED
Sublease : RELET
The answer "RELET" fits the clue "Sublease" because when you sublease a property, you are essentially reletting it to another tenant.
Suffer disgrace, or what the starred clues must do as a set to match their answers? : LOSE FACE
The answer "LOSE FACE" is the right solution because the starred clues all involve words that can follow "face" to create common phrases or terms, such as "palm" for "face palm" and "value" for "face value." Losing these words, or "faces," from the phrases is what the starred clues must do to match their answers.
Sultanate on the Arabian peninsula : OMAN
The Sultanate of Oman is a country located on the Arabian Peninsula, making it the correct answer to the clue "Sultanate on the Arabian peninsula."
Umami source, briefly : MSG
The answer to "Umami source, briefly" is MSG because MSG stands for monosodium glutamate, which is a flavor enhancer commonly used to add umami taste to food.
Umami source, briefly : MSG
The answer "MSG" stands for monosodium glutamate, which is a common flavor enhancer known for its umami taste. So, "Umami source, briefly" refers to MSG as a source of umami flavor.
Unrefined resource : ORE
"ORE" is the right answer because it is a raw material that can be mined and processed to extract valuable minerals or metals. It is an unrefined resource found in nature.
Word with cat or power : -NAP
The word that can follow "cat" or "power" to form common phrases is "nap," as in catnap and power nap.
Yogurt-based dip : RAITA
The answer "RAITA" is the right solution because raita is a yogurt-based dip commonly found in Indian cuisine. It is made by mixing yogurt with various ingredients like cucumber, mint, and spices.
Yogurt-based dip : RAITA
"Raita" is a yogurt-based dip commonly found in Indian cuisine, typically flavored with herbs and spices. It fits the description of a yogurt-based dip, making it the correct answer to the clue.
__ planning : ESTATE
The term "estate planning" refers to the process of arranging for the disposal of one's estate. In this context, "estate" refers to all of the property and assets owned by a person at the time of their death.
__ whim : ON A
"__ whim" is a common phrase that means acting impulsively or spontaneously. The answer "ON A" completes the phrase to form "on a whim," which is the correct expression.
__-minded : ABSENT
The word "absent-minded" means forgetful or inattentive, which fits the clue "__-minded".
“As I __ saying … ” : WAS
The phrase "As I was saying..." is a common expression used to pick up a conversation from where it left off. In this context, "was" is the correct past tense form of the verb "to be."
“In the event that … ” : IF EVER …
The phrase "In the event that" indicates a condition or possibility, which can be replaced by the term "IF EVER."
“Whenever you’re done talking … ” : I’LL WAIT …
The answer "I'LL WAIT ..." fits because it suggests that the speaker is willing to be patient until the other person finishes talking.
“Who __?” : KNEW
The phrase "Who knew?" means who could have possibly predicted or guessed that. Therefore, the answer to the crossword clue "Who __?" is "KNEW".
“Who __?” : KNEW
The phrase "Who else?" is commonly used to inquire about another person in addition to the one already mentioned, making "ELSE" the right answer.
“Who __?” : KNEW
The phrase "Who knew?" is a common expression used to express surprise or disbelief about something. Therefore, the answer "KNEW" fits the clue "“Who __?”" as it completes the familiar phrase.