Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 7 March 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.
Accepted defeat, and what 17-, 24-, 40-, and 51- did? : TOOK THE L
The phrase "Took the L" is a slang term meaning to accept a loss or defeat. The clue is hinting that the words at positions 17, 24, 40, and 51 in the puzzle spell out this phrase when read together.
Actor Cariou : LEN
Actor Cariou is a famous actor named Len Cariou, known for his work on stage and screen. Therefore, the answer to "Actor Cariou" is "LEN" as it refers to Len Cariou.
Actor Cariou : LEN
Len Cariou is a Canadian actor known for his work on stage and screen. In crossword puzzles, "Actor Cariou" is a common clue for the answer "LEN" because Len Cariou is a well-known actor with a four-letter first name.
Ancient theater of Ephesus : ODEON
The ancient theater of Ephesus is called the Odeon, making "ODEON" the correct answer to the clue.
Appliance alert : BEEP
The answer "BEEP" is the right solution because appliances often emit a beeping sound to alert the user of a certain event or action, such as when a microwave finishes heating food or when a dishwasher cycle is complete.
Assorted barrettes and clips? : HAIRPIN BLEND
"Assorted barrettes and clips" can be referred to as a "hairpin blend" because barrettes and clips are types of hairpins, and when they are assorted or mixed together, they create a blend or assortment of hairpins.
Cambodia’s __ Wat : ANGKOR
The answer is "ANGKOR" because Angkor Wat is a famous temple complex in Cambodia, making it the most likely answer to the clue.
Cassette : TAPE
The answer to "Cassette" is "TAPE" because cassettes were a popular form of audio storage that used magnetic tape.
Cassette : TAPE
The answer "TAPE" is the right solution because cassettes are a type of music storage device that uses magnetic tape to record and play back audio.
Cassette : TAPE
The answer "TAPE" fits the clue "Cassette" because a cassette typically contains a magnetic tape used for recording and playing back audio.
Combine : MELD
"MELD" is the right solution because it means to blend or merge different elements into a unified whole, which fits the clue "Combine" perfectly.
Composer Frederick : LOEWE
Contract endorser : SIGNEE
The term "signee" refers to a person who signs a contract, typically at the end of the document, making them the contract endorser.
Cries : WEEPS
"CLAMORS" is the right solution because it means to cry out loudly or vehemently, matching the clue "Cries."
Cries : WEEPS
"Weeps" is the right answer because "cries" can be a synonym for shedding tears, which is what someone does when they weep.
Diplomat Kofi : ANNAN
The answer "ANNAN" fits the clue "Diplomat Kofi" because Kofi Annan was a well-known diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Diplomat Kofi : ANNAN
The answer "ANNAN" fits the clue "Diplomat Kofi" because Kofi Annan was a well-known diplomat who served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Drains : SAPS
"SAPS" is a synonym for "drains" meaning to exhaust or weaken.
Drains : SAPS
"Drains" is a verb that means to deplete or exhaust. "USESUP" is a verb that means to exhaust a supply of something completely, which fits the definition of "drains."
Drains : SAPS
"SAPS" is a slang term for drains, meaning to weaken or exhaust. In this context, the word "SAPS" is a synonym for drains, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Dramatic outburst during court testimony : LIAR!
This answer fits because a "dramatic outburst during court testimony" could involve someone being accused of lying, which is often met with the response "LIAR!"
Dull pain : ACHE
The word "ache" is a suitable solution for the clue "dull pain" because an ache is a continuous, persistent, and often throbbing discomfort that is not sharp or intense.
Dull pain : ACHE
The word "ache" is commonly used to describe a dull pain in the body, making it the right solution for the clue "Dull pain."
Dull pain : ACHE
The word "ache" is commonly used to describe a dull pain, making it the right solution for the clue.
Eritrea’s capital : ASMARA
ASMARA is the capital city of Eritrea, a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is a commonly known fact and a frequently used crossword clue.
Eritrea’s capital : ASMARA
ASMARA is the capital of Eritrea. It is a well-known city in the country and fits the clue "Eritrea's capital" perfectly.
Fictional company whose products tend to malfunction : ACME
ACME is a common fictional company in cartoons and movies known for its products always failing or malfunctioning, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Garden party? : GNOME
The answer "GNOME" is the right solution because a garden party could refer to a gathering of garden decorations, such as gnomes.
Gene variant : ALLELE
An allele is a variant form of a gene. In genetics, alleles are different versions of the same gene that can result in different traits or characteristics.
Got down pat : NAILED
The phrase "got down pat" means to have mastered or perfected something. "Nailed" is a slang term that means to accomplish something successfully or to do something perfectly, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Great-aunt of Prince George : ANNE
Princess Anne is the great-aunt of Prince George, making "ANNE" the correct answer.
Great-aunt of Prince George : ANNE
Princess Anne is the great-aunt of Prince George, as she is his grandfather Prince Charles's sister.
Great-aunt of Prince George : ANNE
Princess Anne is the great-aunt of Prince George, making "ANNE" the correct answer.
Great-aunt of Prince George : ANNE
Princess Anne is the great-aunt of Prince George, as she is his grandfather Prince Charles's sister.
Greek god of pastures : PAN
Pan is the Greek god of shepherds and flocks, as well as of mountain wilds, hunting, and rustic music. Pastures are areas where shepherds tend to their flocks, making Pan the appropriate answer for the clue "Greek god of pastures."
Hideout that’s not very hidden? : OPEN LAIR
The answer "OPEN LAIR" is the right solution because it plays on the idea that a hideout is typically hidden, but in this case, it is not very hidden since it is open.
Hip-hop subgenre dedicated to the woes of hair loss? : BALD RAP
This is a play on words combining "bald" referring to hair loss and "rap" referring to the music genre. So, "BALD RAP" humorously fits the clue for a hip-hop subgenre dedicated to the woes of hair loss.
Historic fort near Charleston : SUMTER
Fort Sumter is a historic fort located near Charleston, South Carolina. It is well-known for being the site where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired in 1861. Therefore, the answer "SUMTER" fits the clue "Historic fort near Charleston" perfectly.
Insect whose colony has a queen : ANT
Ants are social insects that live in colonies with a queen who is responsible for laying eggs. This distinguishes them from other insects like bees or wasps, making "ANT" the correct answer for the clue "Insect whose colony has a queen."
Latin year : ANNO
ANNO is the Latin word for "year," often used in phrases like "Anno Domini" (in the year of our Lord). In crossword puzzles, "Latin year" is a common clue for ANNO because of its direct translation.
Like an ancient obelisk : MONOLITHIC
The word "monolithic" means massive and solid, which accurately describes an ancient obelisk that is typically made from a single stone.
Like Enigma machine messages : IN CODE
The answer "IN CODE" fits the clue "Like Enigma machine messages" because messages encrypted by the Enigma machine were written in code to keep them secret and secure.
Longtime KGB spycraft enemy : CIA
The CIA is the long-time enemy of the KGB in the world of spycraft and intelligence agencies. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) of the United States and the KGB of the Soviet Union were adversaries during the Cold War, engaging in espionage and counterintelligence operations against each other.
Loving poem : ODE Down 1 First commercial synthesizer maker
"ODE" is a loving poem because an ode is a type of lyrical poem that expresses admiration or praise for a person or object. "Moog" is the first commercial synthesizer maker, so the answer to "First commercial synthesizer maker" is "MOOG."
Manatee : SEA COW
The manatee is also known as the "sea cow" due to its herbivorous diet and slow, gentle nature. Therefore, "SEACOW" is a fitting answer for the crossword clue "Manatee".
Manatee : SEA COW
"SEA COW" is the right solution because manatees are large, herbivorous marine mammals that are often referred to as "sea cows" due to their gentle nature and slow-moving behavior.
MRI output : SCAN
The answer "SCAN" fits the clue "MRI output" because an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machine produces detailed images of the inside of the body by scanning it with magnetic fields and radio waves.
Musician Brian : ENO
The answer is "ENO" because Brian Eno is a well-known musician and producer.
Musician Brian : ENO
Brian Eno is a well-known musician and producer in the music industry, making "ENO" the correct answer for the clue "Musician Brian."
Musician Brian : ENO
Brian Eno is a well-known musician and producer in the music industry, making "ENO" the correct answer to the clue "Musician Brian."
Obama-era legislation, initially : ACA
The answer "ACA" stands for the Affordable Care Act, which is a key legislation passed during the Obama era.
Part of Hispaniola : HAITI
The clue "Part of Hispaniola" is referring to the island of Hispaniola, which is divided into two countries - Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Therefore, the answer "HAITI" is correct as it is one of the countries that make up the island of Hispaniola.
Poem with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern : HAIKU
The answer is "HAIKU" because a haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern, with three lines containing 5, 7, and 5 syllables respectively.
Powerful engine banned by F1 : V-TEN
The answer "V-TEN" fits the clue because it refers to a powerful engine configuration, the V10 engine, which was banned by Formula 1 (F1) regulations.
Pro : ACE
The term "pro" is often used to refer to someone who is highly skilled or expert in a particular field. In the context of sports, specifically tennis and golf, an "ace" is a term used to describe a serve or shot that is so good that it is nearly impossible for the opponent to return. Therefore, "ace" is the right solution as it represents a highly skilled or expert player, which aligns with the clue "pro."
Pro : ACE
Pro : ACE
The term "ace" is often used in sports to refer to a top performer or expert, which can be synonymous with "pro."
Public health org. : CDC
The answer to "Public health org." is "CDC" because the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is a well-known organization that focuses on public health and disease prevention.
Public health org. : CDC
CDC stands for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which is a well-known public health organization in the United States. It is responsible for protecting public health and safety by controlling and preventing diseases, injuries, and disabilities.
Quark-antiquark particle : MESON
The answer "MESON" fits the clue "Quark-antiquark particle" because mesons are composite particles made up of a quark and an antiquark bound together by the strong nuclear force.
Recipient of a wish list : GENIE
The answer "GENIE" is the right solution because a genie is a magical being typically depicted as granting wishes to those who summon them, making them the recipient of a wish list.
Releases with bugs, probably : BETAS
"BETAS" is the right solution because beta releases of software often contain bugs that need to be fixed before the final version is released.
Rite place : ALTAR
The "Rite place" clue is a play on words, suggesting the location where religious rites are performed. An altar is a common place for such rituals, making "ALTAR" the correct answer.
Scorch : SEAR
"Sear" is the right solution because it means to burn or scorch the surface of something with a sudden intense heat. It is a synonym for "scorch."
Scorch : SEAR
"Sear" means to scorch or burn the surface of something with a sudden intense heat. It is a synonym for scorch, making it the right solution for the clue.
Shirt : TOP
"Top" is a synonym for "shirt" in casual language, commonly used to refer to any upper garment worn on the torso.
Shrinks’ org. : APA
The answer "APA" is the abbreviation for the American Psychological Association, which is an organization of psychologists and psychology students in the United States.
Shrinks’ org. : APA
The answer "APA" is the right solution because APA stands for the American Psychological Association, which is an organization for psychologists and mental health professionals.
Sick : ILL
In slang, "dope" can mean something that is cool or excellent. Therefore, if someone says "sick!" in a positive way, "dope" can be a fitting response.
Sick : ILL
"Ill" is a synonym for "sick", making it the correct answer to the clue.
Sick : ILL
The word "ILL" is a synonym for "sick" in the context of feeling unwell or unhealthy.
Sierra __ : LEONE
"Sierra __" refers to the country Sierra Leone in Africa. Therefore, the correct answer is "LEONE."
Small beard : GOATEE
A goatee is a style of facial hair that is typically a small beard on the chin. It fits the clue "Small beard" perfectly.
Small rabbit : COTTONTAIL
The answer "COTTONTAIL" fits the clue "Small rabbit" because a cottontail rabbit is a common small rabbit species found in North America known for its distinctive fluffy white tail resembling a ball of cotton.
Spanish sun : SOL
"SOL" is the Spanish word for "sun." In crossword puzzles, it's common to see foreign language words used as answers to clues to add a level of challenge and variety.
Split : IN HALF
The word "split" can mean to leave or depart from a place. Therefore, "LEAVE" is the right answer for this crossword clue.
Split : IN HALF
The answer to "Split" is "BISECT" because it means to divide something into two equal parts.
Split : IN HALF
The word "split" can mean to divide something into two parts. "In half" means dividing something into two equal parts. So, "IN HALF" is the right solution because it fits the definition of splitting something into two parts.
Stood out : SHONE
"Stood out" is a phrase that means to be very noticeable or prominent. The word "SHONE" fits this clue because something that "shines" stands out and catches attention due to its brightness or brilliance.
Times of year for competitive baking? : FLOUR SEASONS
"FLOUR SEASONS" is the right solution because it combines the idea of baking with the concept of seasons, creating a clever wordplay on "four seasons" referring to different times of the year. This answer fits the clue perfectly by incorporating both elements in a creative way.
Turn on the charm? : INCANT
The answer "INCANT" is a play on the phrase "turn on the charm," where "INCANT" sounds like "enchant," which means to charm or captivate someone.
Twins who created the fashion label The Row : OLSENS
The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, are the founders of the fashion label The Row. Therefore, "OLSENS" is the correct answer to the clue.
Video game that uses a balance board : WII FIT
The answer is "WII FIT" because it is a popular video game that is specifically designed to be played using a balance board accessory for the Nintendo Wii console.
Vogue rival : ELLE
"ELLE" is the right answer because it is a well-known fashion magazine that competes with Vogue in the fashion industry.
Vogue rival : ELLE
"ELLE" is the right answer because it is a well-known fashion magazine that competes directly with Vogue in the fashion industry.
Weird or cringe, in Gen Alpha slang : OHIO
Woodwind insert : REED
The answer "REED" is the right solution because a reed is a thin strip of material in a woodwind instrument, such as a clarinet or saxophone, that vibrates to produce sound.
Woodwind insert : REED
"REED" is the right solution because a reed is a thin piece of material, usually made of cane, that vibrates to produce sound in woodwind instruments like clarinets and saxophones.
Wrong move : ERROR
The answer "ERROR" fits the clue "Wrong move" because an error is a mistake or incorrect action, which can be considered a wrong move.
Zen paradox : KOAN
A Zen paradox is often expressed in the form of a riddle or story called a koan. Koans are used in Zen practice to provoke deep thinking and help practitioners reach enlightenment.
Zion locale : UTAH
"Zion" is often associated with Zion National Park, which is located in the state of UTAH.
__ 101 : skyscraper in an Asian capital
unknown
__ milk : OAT
The answer to "__ milk" is "SOY" because soy milk is a popular alternative to dairy milk, often consumed by people who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan lifestyle.
__ milk : OAT
SKIM is the right solution because it is a type of milk that has had most of the cream removed. The word "SKIM" fits the clue "__ milk" as it specifically refers to a type of milk.
__ milk : OAT
"Oat milk" is a popular dairy alternative made from oats. In this case, the clue "__ milk" suggests a type of milk, and "OAT" fits as the answer.
__ milk : OAT
"OAT" is the right solution because it is a type of milk alternative made from oats, commonly used by people who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet.
__ novel : DIME
The term "DIME novel" refers to a type of inexpensive paperback novel that was popular in the 19th century. These novels typically cost ten cents, hence the name "DIME novel."
__-Cola : COCA
The answer to "__-Cola" is "COCA" because it is a well-known abbreviation for the popular soft drink brand "Coca-Cola."
__-Cola : COCA
The answer "COCA" fits the clue "__-Cola" because it completes the name of the popular soft drink brand "Coca-Cola."
“Ah, got it” : I SEE
The phrase "I SEE" is commonly used to indicate understanding or comprehension, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Ah, got it."
“Based __ true story” : ON A
The phrase "Based on a true story" is a common expression used in movies and books to indicate that the story is inspired by real events. In this crossword clue, "ON A" completes the phrase "Based __ true story."
“By yesterday!” letters : ASAP!
The answer "ASAP" stands for "As Soon As Possible," which is a common abbreviation used to convey urgency. In the context of the clue "By yesterday! letters," "ASAP" fits perfectly as it emphasizes the need for immediate action.
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
"Neato" is a slang term that means "great" or "excellent." "Swell" is a similar slang term that means "excellent" or "wonderful." Therefore, "Neato" is a fitting answer to the clue ""Swell!""
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
The word "swell" can mean to expand or become larger, which is similar to the meaning of "bloat". Therefore, "bloat" is the right solution for the crossword clue "swell".
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
The word "NIFTY!" is a slang term that means "excellent" or "great." It is often used to express enthusiasm or approval. In the context of the clue "Swell!" which also conveys a positive sentiment, "NIFTY!" fits perfectly as the right solution.
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
The answer "NEATO!" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means "excellent" or "great," which is synonymous with "swell."
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
The answer "NEATO!" is a slang term that means "excellent" or "great." It is often used to express enthusiasm or approval, which makes it a fitting response to the clue "Swell!"
“Swell!” : NIFTY!
"NIFTY" is a slang term that means excellent or great, similar in meaning to "swell."
“That is not __!” : parents’ words of warning
This answer fits because parents often use these words to caution their children about potential dangers or inappropriate behavior.
“That __ hurt” : DIDN’T
The phrase "That didn't hurt" is a common expression used to downplay the severity of pain or discomfort. In this context, "didn't" is the correct answer to complete the sentence.
“Thriller” debut channel : MTV
MTV is the right solution because Michael Jackson's iconic music video for "Thriller" made its debut on MTV, which was a popular music television channel at the time.