Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 23 February 2024, 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.
31-Down abundance : HAIR
The answer "HAIR" fits the clue "31-Down abundance" because hair is something that many people have a lot of, making it abundant.
55-Down, properly : ISN’T
The clue "55-Down, properly" is asking for the word "ISN’T" when "55-Down" is written correctly with an apostrophe. So, "ISN’T" is the correct answer.
62-, improperly : AIN’T
The answer "AIN’T" is a slang term for "is not" or "are not," so it fits the clue "62-, improperly" as it is an informal way of saying something is not correct.
A pop : EACH
"A pop" is an informal way of saying "per person". "Each" means "per person" and is commonly used in this context, making it the correct answer.
A pop : EACH
The term "a pop" indicates a cost or price for each individual item. Therefore, the answer "EACH" fits the clue appropriately.
Amit Majmudar’s “__ to a Drone” : ODE
This is the right solution because an ode is a lyrical poem typically addressing a particular subject with elevated language and style, fitting the title "Ode to a Drone."
Apt rhyme for “freeze” : SEIZE
The word "SEIZE" is an apt rhyme for "freeze" because both words end with the same sound "-eeze."
Bass output : ROE
"ROE" is the answer because "bass output" refers to the fish eggs of a bass, which are called roe.
Bird in a bevy : QUAIL
The word "bevy" is often used to describe a group of quail, making "QUAIL" the right answer.
Blame (on) : PIN
The word "PIN" can mean to attribute blame or responsibility to someone or something. In this context, "Blame (on)" can be answered with "PIN".
Bootlegger’s vessel : STILL
The answer "STILL" is the right solution because a "still" is a vessel used by bootleggers to distill alcohol illegally.
Cain’s brother : ABEL
ABEL is the right solution because in the Bible, Cain and Abel are the sons of Adam and Eve. Cain is known for killing his brother Abel out of jealousy, making Abel the brother of Cain.
Camera setting, and what shortened 18-, 24-, 47-, and 58-? : F-STOP
The clue hints at a camera setting, and the shortened versions of the numbers 18, 24, 47, and 58 spell out "F-STOP" when combined. In photography, the f-stop is a measurement of the aperture opening, controlling the amount of light entering the camera.
Campus climbers : IVIES
The answer "IVIES" refers to Ivy League schools, known for their prestigious and competitive academic programs. Students who attend these schools are sometimes referred to as "campus climbers."
Canyon : GORGE
The word "gorge" is often used as a synonym for "canyon," both referring to a deep, narrow valley with steep sides. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "gorge" fits the number of letters required and is a common term that fits the description of a canyon.
Damage control pro : SPIN DOCTOR
"SPIN DOCTOR" is the right solution because a spin doctor is someone who tries to manipulate how information is presented to the public to make it seem more favorable, which is a common tactic in damage control.
Durango day : DIA
"DIA" is the answer because "Durango" is a city in Colorado, and "DIA" is the common abbreviation for Denver International Airport, which is the closest major airport to Durango.
Emo : ANGSTY
The word "emo" is often associated with feelings of angst and emotional turmoil, making "ANGSTY" a fitting answer.
Experimental soft cheese? : TRIAL BRIE
The answer "TRIAL BRIE" is a play on words, combining "trial" which means experimental and "Brie" which is a type of soft cheese.
Fancy spread : PATE
"Pate" is a fancy spread made from finely ground meat or seafood, often served as an appetizer. This fits the clue "Fancy spread" perfectly.
Focus of Maslow’s hierarchy : NEEDS
The answer "NEEDS" fits the clue because Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that categorizes human needs into a hierarchy, ranging from basic physiological needs like food and water to higher-level needs like self-actualization.
Glossy material : SATIN
"SATIN" is the right solution because satin is a type of glossy material often used in clothing and linens due to its smooth and shiny surface.
Goofs in proofs : ERRATA
The word "ERRATA" is the plural form of "erratum." In the context of publishing or printing, "errata" refers to mistakes or errors found in a printed work, such as a book or a proof. Therefore, "Goofs in proofs" is a clue that leads to the answer "ERRATA."
Goofs in proofs : ERRATA
"ERRATA" refers to errors or mistakes in a published work, such as a book or document. In this case, "Goofs in proofs" suggests errors found in a proofreading stage before final publication, making "ERRATA" the correct answer.
Heart Eyes or OK Hand : EMOJI
The answer "EMOJI" fits the clue because "Heart Eyes" and "OK Hand" are both examples of emojis commonly used in text messages and social media.
High-stakes shelter : TENT
The answer "TENT" fits the clue "High-stakes shelter" because a tent is a temporary shelter that is often used in high-stakes situations like camping or emergency situations.
Hot spots : OVENS
The answer to "Hot spots" is "RANGES" because ranges can refer to areas where there is intense heat or high temperatures, such as volcanic ranges or cooking ranges.
Hot spots : OVENS
The answer "OVENS" fits the clue "Hot spots" because ovens are commonly used to cook food at high temperatures, making them hot spots in a kitchen.
Joie de vivre : ZEST
The answer "ELAN" is the right solution because it is a French term that means "enthusiastic and lively spirit," which perfectly captures the essence of "Joie de vivre."
Joie de vivre : ZEST
ZEST is a synonym for "Joie de vivre," which means a keen enjoyment of living. Both words convey a sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment for life.
Lays aisle-mate : UTZ
The answer "UTZ" is the right solution because UTZ is a brand of chips that could be found in the same aisle as Lays chips in a grocery store.
Like most whiskey : AGED
The answer "AGED" is the right solution because most whiskey is left to mature or age in barrels before being bottled and sold.
Many a sedan : MIDSIZE CAR
The answer "MIDSIZE CAR" fits the clue "Many a sedan" because sedans are a common type of midsize car. Sedans typically have four doors, a separate trunk, and are larger than compact cars but smaller than full-size cars.
Message board? : OUIJA
The answer "OUIJA" is the right solution because a Ouija board is a type of message board used to communicate with spirits or the supernatural.
Middle of dinner? : ENS
"ENS" is the middle letters in the word "dinner." The clue is asking for the middle of the word "dinner," which is "ENS."
Nosegay : POSY
The answer "POSY" is the right solution for the clue "Nosegay" because a nosegay is a small bouquet of flowers, and "POSY" is a common term used to refer to a small bunch of flowers.
Nosegay : POSY
"POSY" is a synonym for nosegay, which is a small bunch of flowers. It is a common term used to refer to a small bouquet or arrangement of flowers.
O icon : OPRAH
The answer "OPRAH" fits the clue "O icon" because Oprah Winfrey is a well-known and influential figure whose first name starts with the letter "O."
One whose trick-learning years are behind them : OLD DOG
The phrase "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" refers to the idea that it is harder for older individuals to learn new things. Therefore, an "OLD DOG" is someone whose trick-learning years are behind them.
Org. for OBs : AMA
AMA stands for the American Medical Association, which is an organization that represents physicians, including obstetricians (OBs). Therefore, "Org. for OBs" refers to the American Medical Association.
Otter kin : MINK
The answer "MINK" is the right solution because minks are related to otters as they both belong to the same family, Mustelidae, which includes weasels, ferrets, and badgers.
Parents in the Hundred Acre Wood? : RAISES THE ROO
The answer "RAISES THE ROO" is a play on words that combines the idea of parents raising their children with the character Roo from the Hundred Acre Wood in the Winnie the Pooh stories. It cleverly combines these two concepts to create a fun and fitting answer for the clue.
People’s superlative : SEXIEST
The answer "SEXIEST" fits the clue "People's superlative" because it refers to the highest level of attractiveness or appeal as voted by a group of people.
Pod whose cross sections are pentagonal : OKRA
OKRA is a vegetable that has pods with a distinctive shape, as they are typically pentagonal when sliced crosswise. This makes OKRA the correct answer to the clue "Pod whose cross sections are pentagonal."
Pollinator who can’t fly? : GROUND BEE
The answer "GROUND BEE" fits because bees typically fly to pollinate, but a ground bee is a type of bee that nests and pollinates on the ground instead of flying.
Prize money : PURSE
The term "purse" can refer to a sum of money or a reward that is offered or won in a competition or game. In this case, "prize money" is commonly referred to as a "purse" in the context of competitions or events where a monetary reward is given to the winner.
Product of Shenandoah Valley shepherds? : VIRGINIA WOOL
The clue is a play on words, referring to the wool produced by shepherds in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. "Virginia Wool" is a clever answer that fits the clue.
Pump letters : PSI
The answer "PSI" is the unit of measurement for pressure, often seen on pumps to indicate the pressure level.
Quick meeting? : SESH
The answer "SESH" is short for "session," which is a quick meeting or gathering. It's a common abbreviation used informally to refer to a brief get-together.
Really take off : AVIATE
The word "soar" means to fly high in the sky with little effort, which is similar to something taking off and rising quickly.
Really take off : AVIATE
The answer "AVIATE" fits the clue "Really take off" because "aviate" means to fly an aircraft, which is a literal interpretation of taking off in the air.
Red Square honoree : LENIN
The answer "LENIN" is correct because Vladimir Lenin, a Russian revolutionary leader, is honored with a mausoleum in Red Square in Moscow, Russia.
Rod and __ : REEL
The phrase "Rod and reel" is a common expression used in fishing, where the "rod" refers to the fishing rod and "reel" refers to the fishing reel. So, the answer to "Rod and __" is "REEL" to complete the pair commonly used together in fishing.
Sample collector, maybe : Q-TIP
The answer "Q-TIP" is the right solution because a Q-tip is often used as a tool to collect samples, such as for medical testing or cleaning small areas.
Second person : YOU
The answer to "Second person" is "YOU" because "you" is the pronoun used to refer to the person or people being addressed. It is the grammatical term for the person or people being spoken to.
Second person : YOU
The answer "YOU" is the second person pronoun, referring to the person being spoken to. In crossword clues, "Second person" often indicates the word "YOU" as the correct answer.
Shaggy beasts : YAKS
YAKS are shaggy beasts known for their long, thick hair. They are commonly found in the Himalayas and are often used for their milk, meat, and wool.
Signal : CUE
"CUE" is the right answer because a cue can be a signal or prompt for someone to do something, especially in a performance or game.
Skip a syllable or two : ELIDE
"Elide" means to omit or leave out a sound or syllable in pronunciation. So, if you skip a syllable or two, you are essentially eliding them.
Sound of the Northwest : PUGET
The answer "PUGET" refers to Puget Sound, a body of water in the northwest region of the United States, specifically in Washington state.
Sphere in old referee whistles : PEA
The answer "PEA" fits the clue because a small sphere inside old referee whistles is typically a pea.
Storage furniture : CHEST
"CHEST" is a type of storage furniture typically used for storing clothes, blankets, or other items. It is a common piece of furniture found in bedrooms and can refer to both large storage trunks and smaller drawers.
Took second, say : STOLE
The phrase "took second" can mean "stole," as in taking something that belongs to someone else.
Tough talk? : RASP
The answer "RASP" fits because "tough talk" can refer to a harsh or grating voice, which is characteristic of a rasp sound.
Tries out : DEMOS
"DEMOS" is short for demonstrations, which can be a way to try out or test something.
Tromp : PLOD
"Plod" is a synonym for "tromp," meaning to walk heavily or laboriously. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to provide synonyms or related words to lead to the correct answer.
Two-time WNBA MVP __ Delle Donne : ELENA
Elena Delle Donne is a two-time WNBA MVP, making "ELENA" the correct answer to the clue.
Until : UP TO
"Up to" is a common phrase that means "until a particular point in time or extent." It is often used to indicate a limit or boundary, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Until."
Visual aids : GLASSES
The answer "GLASSES" can be a visual aid for people who have difficulty seeing clearly. They help improve vision and are commonly used by individuals with vision problems.
Well-mannered blokes : GENTS
"GENTS" is a common informal term for well-mannered men, making it the right solution for the clue "Well-mannered blokes."
Wrap sheet : SARAN Down 1 Schedule for later
The answer "SARAN" fits the clue "Wrap sheet" because Saran Wrap is a brand of plastic wrap used for covering and wrapping food. It is a type of sheet used for wrapping items.
__ Cup : PGA Tour prize
The "PGA Tour prize" is commonly referred to as the "Cup" in golf tournaments, such as the FedEx Cup or the Ryder Cup.
__ Major : URSA
"__ Major" is a clue for a constellation name. URSA Major is a well-known constellation also known as the Great Bear.
“Bang!” : BAM!
The answer "BLAM!" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeic representation of a loud sound, like a sudden bang or explosion.
“Bang!” : BAM!
The word "BAM!" is often used in comic books and cartoons to represent a sudden impact or loud noise, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Bang!" in a crossword puzzle.
“I would like some more catnip, please” : MEOW
The answer "MEOW" is the right solution because "meow" is the sound a cat makes, and the clue mentions "catnip," which is associated with cats.
“Island of the Blue Dolphins” novelist Scott : O’DELL
The answer is "O'DELL" because the author of "Island of the Blue Dolphins" is Scott O'Dell.
“Spring forward” letters : DST
"DST" stands for Daylight Saving Time, which is when clocks are set forward by one hour in the spring.
“Stay” singer Lisa : LOEB
The clue is asking for the name of a singer who performed the song "Stay". Lisa Loeb is a singer-songwriter who is best known for her hit song "Stay (I Missed You)" which was released in 1994. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "Loeb".
“Stay” singer Lisa : LOEB
The answer is "LOEB" because Lisa Loeb is a singer known for her hit song "Stay."
“The Mamba Mentality : How I Play” writer Bryant
This is the right solution because "The Mamba Mentality" refers to Kobe Bryant's mindset and approach to basketball, and he wrote a book titled "The Mamba Mentality: How I Play."
“__ the Turtle” : University of Maryland catchphrase
The answer is "Testudo." Testudo is the University of Maryland's mascot, and the catchphrase is often associated with the university's sports teams and fans.