Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 26 February 2025, 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.
Aired : RAN
"RAN" can mean to be broadcast on television or radio, which is a synonym for "aired."
Al fresco dining area : PATIO
The answer "PATIO" fits the clue "Al fresco dining area" because a patio is an outdoor area often used for dining and entertaining. It is a common feature of many homes and restaurants where people can enjoy meals outside.
Apples that are inedible : MACS
"MACS" is the right solution because it refers to a type of apple called McIntosh, which is often used for cooking or making cider rather than being eaten raw.
At the amateur comedy night, the omelet chef had the audience __ : CRACKING UP
The phrase "cracking up" is a common idiom meaning to laugh uncontrollably. In this context, the audience is likely laughing a lot at the omelet chef's jokes or performance at the amateur comedy night.
Beagle’s bowlful : ALPO
The answer "ALPO" is a brand of dog food, and beagles are a breed of dog known to enjoy eating dog food, making "ALPO" a fitting choice for the clue "Beagle's bowlful."
Boggy biome : BAYOU
"BAYOU" is the right answer because a bayou is a wet, marshy area or a slow-moving stream found in a flat, low-lying area like a boggy biome.
Catch a whiff of : SMELL
"SMELL" is the right solution because the clue "Catch a whiff of" is a common expression that refers to using your sense of smell to detect a scent or odor. "SMELL" fits perfectly as it means to perceive or detect an odor using your nose.
Caviar bit : EGG
The answer "EGG" is the right solution because caviar is made from fish eggs, and "EGG" is a common term for an edible oval object laid by birds and other animals.
CBS show with the theme song “Who Are You” : CSI
The answer is "CSI" because "CSI" is a popular CBS show that uses the theme song "Who Are You" by The Who.
Chimp relative : ORANG
The answer "ORANG" is short for "orangutan," which is a type of ape and a relative of the chimp.
Current-ly? : TIDAL
The answer "TIDAL" is a play on words, as "Current-ly?" suggests a play on the word "current" which can refer to both an electrical current and the ocean's current, which is tidal.
Dark side force : SITH
"SITH" is the right answer because the dark side force in the Star Wars universe is associated with the Sith, who are powerful wielders of the dark side of the Force.
Deli spread : MAYO
Mayo is a common spread found in delis, often used on sandwiches and wraps. It is short for mayonnaise, making "MAYO" the correct answer for the clue "Deli spread."
Dry as the desert : ARID
"ARID" means very dry, like the desert. It is a synonym for dry, making it the right solution for the clue "Dry as the desert."
Early mobile phone manufacturer : NOKIA
NOKIA is the right solution because it is a well-known company that was one of the earliest manufacturers of mobile phones, producing some of the most popular and iconic mobile devices in the early days of the industry.
Edmonton NHL player : OILER
The Edmonton NHL team is called the Oilers, so the answer "OILER" fits the clue.
Films that have been formatted to fit a smaller screen, e.g. : ADAPTIONS
Floating : ALOFT
"Floating" can mean being suspended in the air or being aloft. In this case, "aloft" is a synonym for floating, making it the correct answer.
Get ready quickly? : PREP
"Get ready quickly?" is a clue that is hinting at the word "prep" which is short for prepare, meaning to get ready.
Growing old : AGING
The answer "AGING" fits the clue "Growing old" because aging refers to the process of getting older and advancing in age.
Guacamole or baba ghanoush : DIP
The answer "DIP" fits the clue because guacamole and baba ghanoush are both types of dips.
Haircuts that may not be noticeable : TRIMS
The answer "TRIMS" fits the clue because trims are small haircuts that are subtle and may not be very noticeable.
Hear about : LEARN OF
The phrase "Hear about" can be synonymous with "Learn of," as both indicate gaining knowledge or information about something through hearing or being told.
Helicopter carrying the Vice President : MARINE TWO
"Marine Two" is the call sign used for the helicopter carrying the Vice President of the United States, similar to how "Air Force One" is used for the President's plane.
High-end camera initials : SLR
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, which is a type of high-end camera known for its versatility and high-quality images.
Home to the Hockey Hall of Fame : TORONTO
Toronto is the correct answer because the Hockey Hall of Fame is located in Toronto, Canada, making it the home to the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Industrious insect : ANT
Industrious insect : ANT
Ants are known for their hard work and industrious nature, often seen carrying food and building intricate colonies. This behavior aligns with the clue "Industrious insect," making "ANT" the correct answer.
Japanese broth dish : RAMEN
"Ramen" is a Japanese dish that consists of noodles served in a broth, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Japanese broth dish."
Little devil : IMP
The term "imp" is often used to refer to a mischievous or playful little devil or demon in folklore and mythology. It is a common crossword answer for the clue "Little devil" due to its association with mischief and troublemaking.
Little devil : IMP
"Imp" is a common term used to describe a mischievous or playful little devil in folklore and mythology.
Mosque leader : IMAM
"Imam" is the correct answer because an imam is a religious leader in a mosque, leading prayers and providing spiritual guidance to the community.
Mosque leader : IMAM
IMAM is the right answer because an Imam is a religious leader in a mosque, leading prayers and guiding the congregation.
Negative charges? : BUM RAPS
Neither/__ : NOR
The phrase "Neither/__" indicates a negative conjunction, and the correct word to complete it is "NOR," which is the negative conjunction that pairs with "neither" in a sentence.
NNE opposite : SSW
The answer "SSW" stands for South-Southwest, which is the opposite direction of North-Northeast (NNE). It is a commonly used abbreviation in navigation and compass directions.
NNE opposite : SSW
The answer "SSW" is the opposite direction of "NNE" on a compass rose, making it the correct solution to the clue "NNE opposite."
NNE opposite : SSW
"NNE" stands for "north-northeast," which is a direction on a compass. The opposite direction of "NNE" would be "SSW," which stands for "south-southwest." In essence, "NNE opposite" is asking for the direction that is directly opposite to "NNE" on a compass, which is "SSW."
Numbs, maybe : ICES
The word "ICES" can mean to numb or chill something, like icing a cake.
One of Canada’s First Nations : CREE
The answer "CREE" is the right solution because the Cree people are one of the First Nations indigenous to Canada.
One of Canada’s First Nations : CREE
"CREE" is the right solution because the Cree are one of the largest groups of First Nations in Canada, with a significant presence in various provinces.
Org. with ergonomic guidelines : OSHA
OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a government agency that sets and enforces ergonomic guidelines in the workplace.
Oscar winner Stone : EMMA
Emma Stone is an actress who won an Oscar for Best Actress in 2017 for her role in the movie "La La Land." "Emma" is a common crossword clue for her first name.
Part of MYOB : OWN
The clue "Part of MYOB" is asking for a portion of the phrase "Mind Your Own Business." The answer "OWN" is a part of the word "OWN" in the phrase.
Pay stub letters : YTD
"YTD" stands for "Year To Date," which is commonly found on pay stubs to show the total amount of money earned from the beginning of the year up to the current date.
Potential reply to 36-Down : IT’S ME
This answer is the right solution because "Potential reply to 36-Down" indicates that the answer should be a response to another clue in the crossword, and "IT’S ME" is a common phrase used when identifying oneself, making it a likely response.
Question from behind a closed door : WHO’S THERE?
This answer fits the clue because "Who's there?" is a common question asked when someone knocks on a closed door to find out who is on the other side.
Recipe that may call for a bay leaf : STEW Down 1 Company abbr.
Region known for Wagyu : KOBE
"KOBE" is the right solution because Kobe is a region in Japan known for its premium quality Wagyu beef.
Russian mountain range : URAL
The Ural Mountains are a mountain range in Russia that separate Europe from Asia, making it the correct answer for "Russian mountain range."
Scented accessory : LEI
The answer "LEI" is a scented accessory commonly worn in Hawaii, typically made of flowers or leaves. It fits the clue well because it is a decorative item that adds fragrance to the wearer.
See 38- : … IN THE AISLES
The answer "… OR MADAM" fits because it is a continuation from the clue "See 38-", which means to refer back to another clue in the crossword where the first part of the answer is located.
See 38- : … IN THE AISLES
unknown
Silent performer : MIME
MIME is a type of performer who uses gestures and facial expressions to convey a story or message without speaking. They are often referred to as "silent performers" because they do not use words to communicate.
Silent performer : MIME
"MIME" is the right answer because a mime is a performer who uses gestures and movements, rather than words, to entertain and communicate with the audience. Mimes typically perform in silence, hence the term "silent performer."
Soft “Hey, you” : PSST
"PSST" is the right solution because it is a soft way to get someone's attention, often used in a secretive or quiet manner.
Stinger in a swarm : WASP
The answer "WASP" fits the clue "Stinger in a swarm" because wasps are known for living in colonies or swarms and have a stinger they use for defense.
Sweeping stories : SAGAS
"Sweeping stories" is a clue that indicates a long, epic tale. The word "sagas" specifically refers to long, historical stories or legends, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Tapioca pearls : BOBA
The term "BOBA" is commonly used to refer to tapioca pearls in bubble tea, a popular drink.
Theoretical physicist Wolfgang : PAULI
The answer is "PAULI" because Wolfgang Pauli was a famous theoretical physicist known for the Pauli exclusion principle in quantum mechanics.
Tired initials? : PSI
The answer "PSI" is the right solution because the initials "PSI" sound like the word "tired" when pronounced out loud.
Toss a coin? : SPEND
The phrase "Toss a coin?" is a play on words suggesting spending money, which fits the answer "SPEND".
Trading letters : NYSE
The clue "Trading letters" is a play on words, suggesting the act of trading letters as in the stock market exchange. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is a major stock exchange where letters (stocks) are traded, making it the correct answer.
Type of chemical bond : IONIC
Ionic bonds are formed when one atom gives up an electron to another atom, resulting in a transfer of electrons. This creates a bond between the two atoms with opposite charges, leading to the formation of an ionic compound.
Undershirt, for one : TEE
The answer "TEE" is the right solution because an undershirt is commonly referred to as a "T-shirt," which is often shortened to "TEE" in informal language.
Vacay : PTO
"Vacay" is a slang term for vacation, and PTO stands for Paid Time Off, which is often used by employees to go on vacation. So, PTO is the right answer for "Vacay" in the crossword puzzle.
Warning letters in a subject line, maybe : NSFW
The answer "NSFW" stands for "Not Safe For Work," which is commonly used to warn recipients that the content of an email or message may be inappropriate for a work environment. This fits the clue "Warning letters in a subject line, maybe" as it is a common way to alert someone about potentially offensive content.
With 51-, … the professional bowler had the audience : ROLLING …
The phrase "With 51-" indicates that the answer will be a continuation of the previous clue. In this case, "ROLLING" is a term associated with professional bowlers, connecting it to the clue about a professional bowler having the audience.
Withholding information? : TAX LAWS
This answer plays on the double meaning of "withholding," which can refer to both holding back information and deducting taxes from income. "Tax laws" fit both interpretations, making it a clever and fitting answer.
Word with deep or dive : SKIN …
The answer "SKIN" completes the phrases "skin deep" and "skin dive," where "deep" and "dive" are both related to the skin.
Zilch : NADA
"Zilch" is a slang term that means "nothing" or "zero". "NIL" is a synonym for "nothing" or "zero", making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Zilch : NADA
The term "Zilch" is a slang word that means zero or nothing. "NADA" is a Spanish word that translates to "nothing" in English, making it a perfect match for the clue "Zilch."
Zilch : NADA
The word "zilch" is a slang term meaning "nothing" or "zero." "None" is a synonym for "nothing," making it the correct answer.
Zilch : NADA
"NADA" is a slang term for "nothing" in Spanish, making it a fitting answer for "Zilch," which also means nothing in English.
Zilch : NADA
NIL is another term for zero, which is often used to mean "zilch" or nothing in everyday language.
Zilch : NADA
"NADA" is a synonym for "zilch" in Spanish. In English, "nada" means "nothing," making it a fitting answer for the clue "Zilch."
__ Liberty : LADY
The term "Lady Liberty" is a common nickname for the Statue of Liberty in New York City, making "LADY" the correct answer.
“And for my __ trick … “ : NEXT
The answer "NEXT" fits because in the phrase "And for my __ trick...," the word "next" would logically follow to introduce the next magic trick.
“It just clicked!” : AHA!
"AHA!" is often used to express a sudden realization or understanding, making it a fitting response to the clue "It just clicked!"
“I’m all __!” : EARS
The phrase "I'm all ears" is a common expression meaning that someone is fully listening or paying attention. In this crossword clue, "EARS" fits perfectly as it completes the phrase and represents the idea of being attentive.
“I’m all __!” : EARS
The phrase "I'm all ears" means to be eager and ready to listen, making "EARS" the right answer.
“I’m home, dear” : HI, HONEY
The answer "HI, HONEY" fits the clue "I'm home, dear" because it's a common phrase used to greet a loved one when arriving home, with "HI" being a common greeting and "HONEY" being a term of endearment.
“No sweat!” : EASY!
The phrase "No sweat!" is a colloquial way of saying something is easy or not a problem. The answer "EASY!" is a synonym for simple or effortless, making it the right solution for the clue.
“No sweat!” : EASY!
The phrase "No sweat!" is a casual way of saying something is easy or not a problem, which is synonymous with the word "EASY."
“Well, I’ll be!” : FANCY THAT!
The phrase "FANCY THAT!" is often used to express surprise or disbelief, making it a fitting response to "Well, I'll be!" as they both convey astonishment or incredulity.
“Yeah, guess again” : UM, NO
The phrase "Yeah, guess again" implies a correction or disagreement, which is often expressed with "Um, no." This makes "UM, NO" the right answer for the clue.
… the personal trainer had the audience __ : BUSTING A GUT
The phrase "busting a gut" means laughing really hard, which fits the context of the personal trainer making the audience laugh.
… the tailor had the audience __ : IN STITCHES
The phrase "in stitches" is a common expression meaning to be laughing uncontrollably. In this context, it suggests that the audience found the tailor's performance or story very funny.