Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 21 February 2024, Wednesday. 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.
57-Down for a diva : ARIA
The answer "ARIA" is a solo vocal piece in an opera, often performed by a diva.
Actor Kilmer : VAL
"Actor Kilmer" is a clue looking for the first name of a well-known actor. In this case, the actor referred to is Val Kilmer, so the answer is "VAL."
Actor Schreiber : LIEV
"LIEV" is the right solution because Liev Schreiber is an actor known for his roles in movies and television shows.
Air filter acronym : HEPA
HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, which is a type of air filter known for its ability to trap small particles like dust and pollen.
Animated British piglet of kid’s TV : PEPPA
Peppa is a popular animated British piglet character from a children's TV show called "Peppa Pig." The clue "Animated British piglet of kid’s TV" accurately describes Peppa, making "PEPPA" the correct answer.
Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, for one : LATINA
The answer is "LATINA" because Ellen Ochoa is a famous Latina astronaut.
Bae : LUV
Baker : OVEN
Be bold enough : DARE
The answer "DARE" fits the clue "Be bold enough" because daring someone means being bold or courageous.
Big name in anonymity : DOE
The answer "DOE" is a big name in anonymity because "John Doe" is a common placeholder name for an unidentified person.
Bone, in Italian : OSSO
Bone, in Italian : OSSO
The Italian word for bone is "osso," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Brand at a nail salon : OPI
OPI is a well-known brand that produces nail polish and is commonly found in nail salons.
Brilliance : ECLAT
"ECLAT" is the right solution for "Brilliance" because "ECLAT" is a French word that means brilliance or dazzling display. It is often used in English to refer to a brilliant display or success, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Change course suddenly : VEER
"VEER" means to change direction suddenly, especially to avoid an obstacle. In this context, it fits the clue "Change course suddenly" perfectly.
Charged particles : IONS
"Ions" are charged particles because they have an unequal number of protons and electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge.
Christmas poem contraction : ‘TWAS
"Twas" is a contraction of "it was," commonly used in the Christmas poem "'Twas the Night Before Christmas."
City on the Brazos : WACO
Waco is the city located on the Brazos River in Texas, making it the correct answer to the clue "City on the Brazos."
Collapsed : GAVE WAY
The answer "GAVE WAY" fits the clue "Collapsed" because when something collapses, it gives way or breaks down under pressure.
Dean Martin’s “__ Amore” : THAT’S
The answer "THAT’S" fits the clue because it completes the title of the song "That’s Amore" by Dean Martin.
Decline, with “out” : OPT …
The word "opt" means to choose or decide on a particular course of action, which can be seen as a form of declining other options. In this case, "out" is indicating that the action of declining is happening.
Determines the age of, as archaeological finds : CARBON-DATES
The answer "CARBON-DATES" fits the clue because carbon dating is a method used by archaeologists to determine the age of organic materials found at archaeological sites. The process involves analyzing the amount of carbon-14 remaining in a sample to estimate its age.
Dinghy duo : OARS
The answer "OARS" fits the clue "Dinghy duo" because a dinghy typically requires two oars to row it, making "OARS" the correct answer.
Double Stuf treats : OREOS
The answer is "OREOS" because Oreo cookies are a popular brand that offers a variety of flavors, including Double Stuf, which has double the amount of creme filling compared to regular Oreos.
Elicit : EDUCE
"EDUCE" means to elicit or draw out information or ideas. It is a synonym for "elicit," making it the correct answer to the clue.
Family docs : GPS
The answer "GPS" stands for General Practitioners, who are family doctors that provide primary care to individuals and families.
Feminine Spanish pronoun : ELLA
The clue "Feminine Spanish pronoun" is looking for a Spanish word that means "she" in English. The correct answer is "ELLA" because it is the Spanish pronoun that corresponds to the English word "she."
Fleming subjects : SPIES
The answer "SPIES" fits the clue "Fleming subjects" because Ian Fleming was the author of the James Bond series, which features a spy as the main character.
Flew off on one’s own : LEFT THE NEST
The phrase "left the nest" is a common expression that refers to a young bird flying off on its own for the first time, symbolizing independence and maturity. In this context, it is used metaphorically to mean someone has flown off on their own or become independent.
Follows surreptitiously : TAILS
"Tails" is the right answer because in this context, "follows surreptitiously" suggests following someone discreetly, like a detective following a suspect closely, which can be described as "tailing" someone.
Fort Knox supply : GOLD
The answer "GOLD" is the right solution because Fort Knox is a U.S. Bullion Depository that stores a large portion of the country's gold reserves.
Foster : REAR
The word "foster" can mean to bring up or raise, which is synonymous with the word "rear."
Glow of virtue : HALO
The glow of virtue is often depicted as a halo around a person's head in religious art, symbolizing their goodness or holiness.
Grossed-out reaction : ICK!
"Ick" is commonly used to express disgust or a grossed-out reaction, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Guilty feeling : REMORSE
"REMORSE" is the right answer because it is a common synonym for a guilty feeling. When someone feels remorse, they are experiencing deep regret or guilt for a wrongdoing or mistake.
Gushes : RAVES
The word "gushes" implies a sudden and forceful outpouring. The word "spews" also conveys a similar meaning of forcefully ejecting or emitting something. Therefore, "spews" is the right answer to the clue "gushes".
Gushes : RAVES
"Raves" can be a synonym for "gushes" in the context of expressing enthusiastic praise or admiration.
Hardly a hop, skip, and a jump away : AFAR
"Hardly a hop, skip, and a jump away" is a phrase indicating a far distance, which is synonymous with the word "afar."
Harmful habit : VICE
"Vice" is the right solution because a harmful habit is often referred to as a vice in everyday language.
Hide-and-seek exclamation : THERE YOU ARE!
The answer "THERE YOU ARE!" fits the clue "Hide-and-seek exclamation" because it is a common phrase shouted when the seeker finds the person who was hiding. It is a natural and typical response in the game of hide-and-seek.
In case that’s the case : IF SO
The phrase "In case that's the case" suggests a conditional statement, which is often introduced by "if." Therefore, the answer "IF SO" fits the context as it implies a condition being true.
In someone’s business : NOSY
The answer "NOSY" fits the clue "In someone's business" because being nosy means being overly interested in other people's affairs or being intrusive in someone else's personal matters.
Insect that first appeared in the Jurassic era : WASP
The answer is "WASP" because wasps are a type of insect that first appeared in the Jurassic era, making them a correct fit for the clue.
Invalidate : VOID
"VOID" means to invalidate or nullify something, making it the right answer to the clue "Invalidate."
Joan of __ : ARC
The answer is "ARC" because Joan of Arc is a historical figure known for her role in the Hundred Years' War in France.
Kitchen appliance brand : AMANA
The clue is asking for a brand of a kitchen appliance. OSTER is a well-known brand that produces kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters, and coffee makers.
Kitchen appliance brand : AMANA
Amana is a well-known brand that produces kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. It is a common crossword answer for this clue due to its popularity in the appliance industry.
Make a fool of : PUT ONE OVER ON
"Put one over on" means to deceive or trick someone, essentially making a fool of them. It fits the clue "Make a fool of" because it describes the action of fooling or deceiving someone.
Masseur’s supply : OILS
The answer "OILS" is the right solution because masseurs commonly use oils during massages to reduce friction and enhance the experience for the client.
Optimist’s words : I HOPE
"I HOPE" is the right solution because an optimist often expresses positivity and optimism by saying "I HOPE" for a better outcome.
Pasta __ checca : trattoria dish
"Trattoria dish" is the right solution because "Pasta __ checca" typically refers to a dish served in a trattoria, which is an Italian casual dining establishment. "Checca" likely refers to the type of sauce or preparation used in the dish.
Pencil topper : ERASER
The answer "ERASER" fits the clue "Pencil topper" because an eraser is commonly found on the end of a pencil to correct mistakes by rubbing them out.
Petered out : DIED
The phrase "Petered out" means to gradually diminish or come to an end, which can be synonymous with the word "DIED" in this context.
Potential “destination” for a troubled relationship : SPLITSVILLE
"SPLITSVILLE" is a play on words, combining the idea of a destination with the term "splits," which is often used to describe the end of a romantic relationship. It suggests that the troubled relationship may be headed towards a breakup or separation.
Projection places : CINEMAS
The answer "CINEMAS" fits the clue "Projection places" because cinemas are locations where movies are shown on a big screen to an audience.
Puts together : MAKES
"MAKES" is the right answer because it means to put together or create something. In this context, "puts together" is synonymous with "makes."
Ruckus : HOO-HA
"Ruckus" is a synonym for "stir", which means a commotion or disturbance. Therefore, "STIR" is the right solution for this crossword clue.
Ruckus : HOO-HA
The word "ado" means a commotion or fuss, which is synonymous with a ruckus. Therefore, "ado" is the right answer for the clue "Ruckus."
Ruckus : HOO-HA
Ruckus : HOO-HA
"Ruckus" is a synonym for "ado," which means a state of agitation or fuss.
Run onstage? : EMCEE
The answer "EMCEE" is the right solution because an emcee is someone who runs onstage to host or introduce an event or performance.
Sales agt. : REP
The abbreviation "agt." is commonly used to represent the word "agent." In the context of the clue, "Sales agt." refers to a sales agent. The commonly abbreviated form of "representative" is "REP," which is a commonly used term for someone who represents a company or sells products on their behalf. Therefore, "REP" is the right solution for "Sales agt."
Sales agt. : REP
REP is short for "representative," which is commonly abbreviated as "agt." in crossword puzzles. Therefore, the answer to "Sales agt." is "REP."
Seasoned pro : VET
"VET" is short for veteran, which is a term often used to describe someone who is experienced or skilled in a particular field. In this case, a "seasoned pro" is someone who has a lot of experience, making "VET" the correct answer.
Shutter section : SLAT
"SLAT" is the right answer because a shutter is typically made up of multiple horizontal sections called slats that can be adjusted to control the amount of light or air entering a room.
Smooching on the kiss cam, say : PDA
The answer "PDA" stands for Public Display of Affection, which is a common behavior seen on the kiss cam at events. It fits the clue because it describes the action of smooching on the kiss cam.
Sock part : TOE
The answer "TOE" fits the clue "Sock part" because the toe is a part of a sock where your toes go.
Some inbox attachments : PDFS
The answer "PDFS" fits the clue "Some inbox attachments" because PDFs are commonly sent as attachments in emails and stored in inboxes.
Song for one : SOLO
The clue "Song for one" is hinting at a musical performance done by a single person, which is commonly referred to as a "solo."
Sounds of pain : OWS
"OWS" is a common expression used to represent the sound of pain or discomfort, similar to "Ouch" or "Ow." It is a concise and fitting answer to the clue "Sounds of pain."
Sounds of relief : AHS
The answer "SIGHS" is the right solution because sighs are commonly associated with expressing a sense of relief.
Sounds of relief : AHS
The answer "AHS" is the right solution because it represents the sound of relief or contentment commonly expressed as a sigh in crossword puzzles.
Sub, and an apt description of 20-, 34-, or 42- : HERO SANDWICH
The term "Sub" is a type of sandwich, and "Hero Sandwich" is also a type of sandwich. The clue is indicating that the answers to 20-, 34-, and 42-across are all types of sandwiches, making "HERO SANDWICH" the correct answer.
Tally : ADD UP
The answer "ADD UP" is the right solution because "tally" means to add numbers together to get a total, which is exactly what "ADD UP" means.
Time when shadows are shortest : NOONDAY
The time when shadows are shortest is when the sun is directly overhead, which is at noon. So, "NOONDAY" is the right answer.
Verbal stumbles : ERS
"ERS" is a common crossword answer for verbal stumbles because it represents the sound people make when they hesitate or make mistakes while speaking.
Wedding figure : GROOM
The answer "GROOM" fits the clue "Wedding figure" because the groom is a central figure in a wedding ceremony as the male partner getting married.
Wedding page word : NEE
"NEE" is a word often used on wedding pages to indicate the bride's maiden name. It is a common convention in wedding announcements to list the bride's former name as "nee" followed by her maiden name.
Wet : RAINY
The answer "RAINY" fits the clue "Wet" because rain is a common source of wetness, making "RAINY" a synonym for wet.
Word with pool or basin : TIDAL
The word "TIDAL" can be paired with "pool" or "basin" to refer to a body of water affected by the tides, making it the correct answer to the clue.
__Tax : Intuit software package
The answer "Intuit software package" fits the clue "__Tax" because Intuit is a company that produces tax preparation software, such as TurboTax.
“Forget it” : NOPE
The answer "NOPE" is a casual way of saying "Forget it" or "No." It is a common informal response to reject or dismiss something.
“Let’s” : YES
The answer "YES" is a common response when someone says "Let's" as it indicates agreement or willingness to do something together.