Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 31 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.
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Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
2022 and 2024 AL MVP : JUDGE
The answer "JUDGE" fits the clue because Aaron Judge won the AL MVP award in 2017 and is a likely candidate for the award in 2022 and 2024 based on his performance and potential.
Abbr. on an ESPN crawl : NCAA
The abbreviation "NCAA" stands for National Collegiate Athletic Association, which is often featured in sports news and updates on ESPN. This abbreviation is commonly seen in the scrolling news ticker at the bottom of the screen, also known as the ESPN crawl.
Advice on how to prevent undue interest from influencers? : MAKE IT SO-SO
The answer "MAKE IT SO-SO" is a play on words that suggests making something average or ordinary to prevent undue interest from influencers. "So-so" means mediocre or unexceptional, which can deter influencers from getting too interested.
All-clear before the big dance competition? : GOOD TO GO-GO
The phrase "All-clear" means everything is ready and safe to proceed. "Good to go" means ready to proceed. Adding "Go-Go" at the end adds a playful reference to a dance competition, making the whole answer a fun and fitting phrase for the clue.
Apple desktop : IMAC
The answer to "Apple desktop" is "IMAC" because the IMAC is a popular line of desktop computers produced by Apple.
Apple desktop : IMAC
The answer "MAC" is the right solution because Apple desktop computers are commonly referred to as Mac computers.
Apple desktop : IMAC
IMAC is the right solution because it is a popular line of desktop computers made by Apple.
Aspect : TRAIT
The word "aspect" can be synonymous with "facet," meaning a particular side or feature of something.
Aspect : TRAIT
"Aspect" and "trait" are synonyms that both refer to a characteristic or feature of something or someone. In this context, "trait" fits the clue as a suitable answer.
Bothers : IRKS
The answer "ADOS" is the right solution for the clue "Bothers" because "ADOS" is a verb that means to annoy or irritate someone.
Bothers : IRKS
The word "IRKS" means to bother or annoy someone, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Bothers."
Brand of canned chiles : RO-TEL
"RO-TEL" is a well-known brand that produces canned chiles, often used in cooking and recipes. It fits the clue perfectly as a popular brand associated with canned chiles.
Casino game : KENO
Keno is a popular casino game where players choose numbers and are paid based on how many numbers they match in a drawing. It fits the clue "Casino game" because it is commonly found in casinos.
Civic, for one : SEDAN
A "sedan" is a type of car body style, and a Civic is a specific model of car made by Honda that is commonly available as a sedan. So, a Civic is a type of sedan.
Coffee order : ICED
The answer "ICED" fits the clue "Coffee order" because it refers to a type of coffee served cold with ice, commonly ordered during hot weather or for a refreshing taste.
Compadre : AMIGO
"HOMIE" is a slang term for a close friend or companion, often used in urban or hip-hop culture. "Compadre" is a Spanish word that also means a close friend or companion. Therefore, "HOMIE" is a suitable answer for the clue "Compadre".
Compadre : AMIGO
"Compadre" is a Spanish word that means "friend" or "buddy." "Pal" is a common informal word in English that means "friend" or "companion." Therefore, "pal" is a suitable answer for the clue "compadre."
Compadre : AMIGO
The word "compadre" is a Spanish term meaning friend or buddy. "Amigo" is a Spanish word that translates to friend, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Compadre."
Compadre : AMIGO
The answer "AMIGO" fits the clue "Compadre" because "amigo" is a Spanish word that translates to "friend" or "companion" in English, which is a common way to refer to a close friend or comrade.
Cuatro y cuatro : OCHO
The clue "Cuatro y cuatro" translates to "Four and four" in English. The number that represents "four and four" is "eight," which is spelled as "OCHO" in Spanish. Therefore, "OCHO" is the correct answer.
Cuatro y cuatro : OCHO
The clue "Cuatro y cuatro" is asking for the sum of four and four in Spanish. In Spanish, "cuatro" means four, so when you add cuatro (four) and cuatro (four) together, you get "ocho," which is the Spanish word for eight.
Cuatro y cuatro : OCHO
The clue "Cuatro y cuatro" translates to "Four and four" in English. When you add 4 and 4 together, you get the answer "OCHO," which means eight in Spanish.
Danny of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” : DEVITO
The answer is "DEVITO" because Danny DeVito is the actor who plays the character Frank Reynolds on the TV show "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."
Dark matter? : HUMOR
The clue "Dark matter?" is a play on words suggesting something mysterious or unknown. The answer "HUMOR" fits because humor is often subjective, can be dark or edgy, and is not always easily understood, much like dark matter in science.
Decoupage, e.g. : CRAFT
Decoupage is a crafting technique that involves decorating an object by gluing colored paper cutouts onto it. Therefore, the answer "CRAFT" is fitting as decoupage falls under the category of crafting activities.
Deep __ : DIVE
The phrase "Deep __" commonly refers to going underwater or exploring depths, which is associated with diving. Therefore, the answer is "DIVE."
Depose : OUST
The answer to "Depose?" is "DOWNWARDDOG" because "Depose" refers to removing someone from a position of power, and in yoga, the pose "Downward Dog" involves lowering the body towards the ground, symbolizing a figurative removal or descent.
Depose : OUST
"Depose" means to remove from a position of power, which is the same as "OUST."
Dorothy’s musing before heading back to Kansas? : DO I HAVE TOTO?
The answer "DO I HAVE TOTO?" is the right solution because Dorothy is wondering if she has her beloved dog Toto with her before heading back to Kansas in "The Wizard of Oz."
Durham sch. : UNH
The answer to "Durham sch." is "UNH" because UNH stands for the University of New Hampshire, which is located in Durham, New Hampshire.
Durham sch. : UNH
"Durham sch." is a common abbreviation for the University of New Hampshire (UNH) located in Durham, New Hampshire.
Eggs, biologically : OVA
"OVA" is the plural form of "ovum," which is the biological term for eggs in female animals.
Ellipsis trio : DOTS
The answer to "Ellipsis trio" is "DOTS" because an ellipsis consists of three dots (...) used to indicate a pause or omission in writing. Therefore, "DOTS" represents the three dots in an ellipsis.
Ellipsis trio : DOTS
The term "ellipsis" refers to the punctuation mark "...", which consists of three dots. Therefore, the answer "DOTS" is a fitting solution for the clue "Ellipsis trio."
Enthusiastic reply from a certain bird impersonator? : INDEED, I DODO
The answer "INDEED, I DODO" is a play on words. It combines the word "indeed" as an enthusiastic reply with the phrase "I do" to form "I DODO," which references a bird impersonator imitating a dodo bird.
Everybody : ONE AND ALL
"ONE AND ALL" is a phrase that can be used to refer to everybody collectively. It is a common expression meaning every single person or individual.
Fairy tale baddie : OGRE
An ogre is a type of mythical creature often depicted as a large, ugly, and cruel humanoid monster. In many fairy tales, ogres are the main villains who terrorize and harm others. Therefore, "Fairy tale baddie" is an appropriate clue for the answer "OGRE".
Fairy tale baddie : OGRE
The answer is "OGRE" because in many fairy tales, ogres are portrayed as the main villains or baddies.
Fairy tale baddie : OGRE
An ogre is a common villain in fairy tales known for being large and ugly, often terrorizing people or causing trouble. Therefore, "Fairy tale baddie" is a fitting clue for the answer "OGRE."
Foldable bed : COT
The answer "COT" is a foldable bed commonly used for camping or as a temporary sleeping arrangement. It is a portable and lightweight option for sleeping on.
Foldable bed : COT
"COT" is the right solution because a cot is a portable, foldable bed that is often used for camping or as an extra bed for guests.
Gives way : CEDES
"Cedes" means to give way or yield, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Gives way."
Going prices : RATES
"Going prices" can refer to the rates or charges for a particular service or product. In this context, "rates" is a suitable answer as it directly relates to the cost or price of something.
Golf clinic topic : GRIP
The answer "GRIP" is the right solution because the grip is an essential aspect of a golfer's technique that is often taught and practiced at golf clinics to improve one's game.
Grazing location : MEADOW
The answer "MEADOW" fits the clue "Grazing location" because a meadow is a grassy area where animals, especially cows and sheep, graze on grass.
Had regrets : RUED
"RUED" means to feel regret or remorse. It is a common word used in the context of expressing regret for something.
Help in keeping things straight : RULER
The answer "RULER" is the right solution because a ruler is a tool used to draw straight lines and measure distances accurately, helping in keeping things straight.
Hierarchy levels : RUNGS
The word "rungs" is commonly used to refer to the levels in a hierarchy, especially in the context of a ladder where each horizontal bar is called a rung.
Hockey’s Bobby : ORR
Bobby Orr is a famous hockey player, considered one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. The clue "Hockey’s Bobby" is a direct reference to him, making "ORR" the correct answer.
Hoped-for result : GOAL
The word "aim" can be used to describe a hoped-for result or goal that someone is trying to achieve.
Hoped-for result : GOAL
"GOAL" is the right answer because a goal is a desired outcome or result that someone hopes to achieve. In this context, "hoped-for result" is synonymous with "goal".
Hosp. sections : ERS
The answer "ERS" is short for "Emergency Rooms," which are sections in hospitals where patients with urgent medical needs are treated.
Hosp. sections : ERS
The answer "ERS" is short for "emergency rooms," which are sections in hospitals where patients receive urgent medical care.
Italian automaker : FIAT
FIAT is an Italian automaker known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including small cars and commercial vehicles. It is a well-known and established automobile manufacturer based in Italy.
Keyless key : FOB
"FOB" is the right answer because a keyless key is often referred to as a key fob, which is a small electronic device used for remote keyless entry to a vehicle.
Largest of seven : ASIA
The clue "largest of seven" refers to the seven continents, with Asia being the largest continent in terms of both land area and population.
Lean (on) : RELY
The word "rely" means to depend on or trust in someone or something for support, which fits the clue "Lean (on)" as relying on someone or something for support is similar to leaning on them.
Lean (on) : RELY
The word "rely" can be synonymous with "lean on" in the sense of depending on someone or something for support or help.
Leave out : OMIT
The word "omit" means to leave out or exclude something. Therefore, "omit" is the right answer to the clue "Leave out."
Leave out : OMIT
"Leave out" is a clue that suggests not including something, which is the definition of the word "omit."
Mega- squared : TERA-
The prefix "tera-" is a unit prefix in the metric system denoting a factor of 10^12, which is a mega- squared.
Memory unit, informally : MEG
The answer "MEG" is short for "megabyte," which is a memory unit used informally in computing.
Not at all cool : DORKY
"DORKY" means socially awkward or unfashionable, which is the opposite of being cool. Therefore, "Not at all cool" can be described as "DORKY."
One with a platonic partner, for short : ARO
"ARO" is short for aromantic, which refers to someone who does not experience romantic attraction. A platonic partner would be someone with whom a person has a close, non-romantic relationship.
One with a platonic partner, for short : ARO
The answer "ARO" stands for aromantic, which means someone who does not experience romantic attraction. In this case, "One with a platonic partner" refers to someone who has a platonic relationship instead of a romantic one, making them likely to be aromantic.
Persian Gulf nation : IRAN
The Persian Gulf nation referred to in the clue is Iran because Iran is a country located along the Persian Gulf.
Persian Gulf nation : IRAN
The answer is "IRAN" because it is a country located along the Persian Gulf.
Pizza joint in “Do the Right Thing” : SAL’S
Sal's is the name of the pizza joint in the movie "Do the Right Thing" directed by Spike Lee.
Plot size : ACRE
The answer "ACRE" is the right solution because an acre is a common unit of measurement used to describe the size of a plot of land. It is a standard unit of measurement for land area in many countries.
Polling booth figure : VOTER
The answer "VOTER" fits the clue "Polling booth figure" because a voter is someone who participates in an election by casting their vote at a polling booth.
Primary ingredient in poi : TARO
Taro is the primary ingredient in poi because poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish made from mashed taro root.
Reznor with two Oscars for Best Original Score : TRENT
Trent Reznor is a musician known for his work on film scores, and he won two Oscars for Best Original Score for the movies "The Social Network" and "Soul." Therefore, "Trent" is the correct answer.
San Diego suburb whose name means “hidden” : ESCONDIDO
The San Diego suburb whose name means "hidden" is "ESCONDIDO" because "Escondido" is a Spanish word that translates to "hidden" in English.
Sauce made with pine nuts : PESTO
"Pesto" is a sauce that is traditionally made with pine nuts, along with basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. The presence of pine nuts in the sauce is a key characteristic of pesto, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Say hello quietly : WAVE
The word "wave" can mean to greet someone by moving your hand back and forth, which can be done quietly.
School org. : PTA
The answer "PTA" stands for Parent-Teacher Association, which is a common organization found in schools that helps facilitate communication and collaboration between parents and teachers.
School org. : PTA
The answer "PTA" stands for Parent-Teacher Association, which is a common organization found in schools that helps facilitate communication and collaboration between parents and teachers.
School papers : REPORTS
"School papers" is a clue that suggests documents or assignments that students typically complete for their classes. "REPORTS" is the right answer because it is a common type of written assignment that students often have to submit in school to summarize information or research on a particular topic.
Short stay : STOPOVER
The answer "STOPOVER" fits the clue "Short stay" because a stopover is a brief interruption in a journey or a short stay at a place during a longer trip.
Souvenir from an animated film : CEL
"Cel" is the correct answer because in traditional animation, a cel is a transparent sheet on which objects and characters are drawn or painted. It is a common souvenir from animated films because it represents a piece of the animation process.
Stack : PILE
"Stack" is a synonym for "pile" when referring to a group of items placed one on top of the other. Both words are commonly used interchangeably in everyday language.
Stroller passenger : TOT
The answer "TOT" is a common term for a small child or toddler, which is often a passenger in a stroller.
Substance : HEFT
"Heft" can be defined as the weight or substance of something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Substance".
Substance : HEFT
"Heft" can refer to the weight or substance of an object, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Substance."
Suspect’s story : ALIBI
The answer "ALIBI" fits the clue "Suspect's story" because an alibi is an excuse or explanation a suspect gives to show that they were somewhere else when a crime was committed.
Terr. divided in 1889 : DAK
"Terr. divided in 1889" is a clue referring to the Dakota Territory, which was divided in 1889 to create the states of North Dakota and South Dakota. The abbreviation "DAK" represents Dakota, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Thoroughfare : ROAD
"Thoroughfare" is a synonym for a road or a passage that allows for travel from one place to another. Therefore, the answer "ROAD" fits the clue.
U.S. weather agency : NOAA
The answer is "NOAA" because NOAA stands for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which is the U.S. weather agency.
Undertaking : PROJECT
The word "undertaking" means a task or a project that someone has taken responsibility for. Therefore, "task" is a suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Undertaking : PROJECT
Undertaking : PROJECT
The word "project" can be used to describe a specific task or plan that someone is working on, which fits the definition of an "undertaking."
Vegetable in the cabbage family : KALE
Kale belongs to the cabbage family, known as Brassica. It is a leafy green vegetable with curly or flat leaves, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Villain in “The Lion King” : SCAR
The villain in "The Lion King" is named Scar, who is Simba's uncle and the main antagonist in the movie.
Weapons for Neptune and Shiva : TRIDENTS
The answer "TRIDENTS" fits the clue because both Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and Shiva, a Hindu deity, are often depicted with tridents as their weapon of choice.
Worshipper of Jah : RASTA Down 1 Ring leader?
The answer "RASTA" is derived from the word "Jah," which is a term for God in Rastafarianism. Rastafarians are worshippers of Jah, making "Worshipper of Jah" synonymous with "RASTA." In the context of the clue "Ring leader?", "RASTA" fits as it refers to a leader within the Rastafarian community.
__ planner : EVENT
The answer "EVENT" fits the clue "__ planner" because an event planner is someone who organizes and coordinates events.
“More or less” : SORTA
The answer "SORT OF" is the right solution because it means "more or less" or "to some extent." It is a colloquial phrase that indicates a degree of approximation or uncertainty.
“More or less” : SORTA
The answer "ISH" is the right solution for the clue "More or less" because "ish" is a suffix that means "approximately" or "sort of." It is often used to indicate an approximation or an estimation.
“More or less” : SORTA
The answer "SORTA" is a colloquial term that means "more or less," making it a fitting solution for the clue "More or less."
“More or less” : SORTA
"More or less" is a phrase used to indicate approximately or somewhat. The word "sorta" is a colloquial way of saying "sort of," which has a similar meaning to "more or less."
“Ohhhh” : I SEE
The answer "I SEE" is a common expression used to indicate understanding or realization, which fits the clue "Ohhhh" as a reaction of comprehension.
“Run Away With Me” singer Carly __ Jepsen : RAE
The answer "RAE" fits the clue because Carly Rae Jepsen is a singer, and "RAE" is the last part of her middle name.
“That sounds painful” : OUCH
The word "OUCH" is often used to express pain or discomfort, making it a fitting answer to the clue "That sounds painful".
“Too bad” : ALAS
The word "ALAS" is an interjection used to express sorrow or regret, making it a fitting response to the phrase "Too bad!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Too bad” : ALAS
"ALAS" is used to express sorrow or regret, making it a fitting response to "Too bad."
“__ mañana” : HASTA
The phrase "hasta mañana" is a common Spanish expression that translates to "until tomorrow" in English. The word "hasta" means "until" or "till" in Spanish. Therefore, "HASTA" is the right answer for the crossword clue "“__ mañana”".
“__ mañana” : HASTA
"Hasta" is a Spanish word that translates to "until" in English. In the phrase "hasta mañana," it means "until tomorrow."
“__ mañana” : HASTA
The phrase "hasta mañana" in Spanish translates to "see you tomorrow" in English. "Hasta" means "until" or "see you" and "mañana" means "tomorrow."