Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 9 March 2024, Saturday. 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.
Ability to read the room, say : SOCIAL IQ
"Social IQ" refers to the ability to understand and navigate social situations effectively, similar to how traditional IQ measures cognitive abilities. In this context, "reading the room" means being aware of social cues and dynamics, making "SOCIAL IQ" the fitting answer.
Barley kin : RYE
"Barley kin" is a clue that is looking for a type of grain that is related to barley. Rye is a type of grain that is similar to barley, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Brolin who plays Mia on “Yellowstone” : EDEN
Chasm : GULF
The word "abyss" is the right solution for the clue "chasm" because an abyss refers to a deep and seemingly bottomless pit or void, which is synonymous with a chasm.
Chasm : GULF
The word "abyss" is the right solution for the clue "chasm" because an abyss is a deep, immeasurable hole or gap, often used to describe a very deep or wide chasm.
Chasm : GULF
The answer "ABYSS" is the right solution for the clue "Chasm" because an abyss is a deep, seemingly bottomless pit or gorge, which accurately describes a chasm.
Chasm : GULF
"GULF" is a synonym for "chasm," both referring to a deep divide or gap, making it the correct answer.
Cinnabar, e.g. : ORE
The clue "Cinnabar, e.g." is a wordplay clue where "Cinnabar" is a type of ore. Therefore, the answer "ORE" fits the clue.
County south of Suffolk : ESSEX Down 1 Do-It Yourself Tornado Kit company
The answer is "ESSEX" because it is a county south of Suffolk in England.
Cram : BONE UP
"BONE UP" is a synonym for "cram" meaning to study intensively. It fits the clue because it means to study hard to learn something quickly.
Culmination : APEX
The word "culmination" means the highest point or peak of something. "Apex" is a synonym for the highest point, making it the right solution.
Cultured set : PEARLS
The answer "PEARLS" fits because pearls are often associated with being cultured and sophisticated, making them a suitable answer for the clue "Cultured set."
Delight in : SAVOR
"Savor" means to enjoy or delight in something, making it the right answer for the clue "Delight in."
Director DaCosta : NIA
Nia DaCosta is a film director, known for directing movies such as "Candyman." Therefore, the answer to "Director DaCosta" is "NIA."
Endorheic basin between Europe and Asia : CASPIAN SEA
The Caspian Sea is an endorheic basin located between Europe and Asia, making it the correct answer to the clue. It is the world's largest inland body of water and fits the description provided in the crossword clue.
Expert in creature comforts? : GAMEKEEPER
The answer "GAMEKEEPER" fits because a gamekeeper is an expert in managing the wildlife and ensuring their comfort in their natural habitat.
Fair : SUNNY
The answer to "Fair" is "JUST" because "just" can mean fair or equitable.
Fair : SUNNY
The word "fair" can be used to describe good weather, which is often synonymous with sunny conditions. Therefore, the answer to "Fair" is "SUNNY."
Feeds : STOKES
Flight segment : STEP
Flight segment : STEP
Former : PRIOR
The word "former" means previous or prior, making "PRIOR" the right answer.
French cordial flavoring : ANIS
"Anis" is the French word for anise, a popular cordial flavoring used in French cuisine and beverages.
German “Fat chance!” : NIE!
"NIE!" is the German word for "no," which can be used to express skepticism or doubt, similar to the English phrase "Fat chance!"
Hill workers : ANTS
The word "aides" refers to people who work for someone in a supportive role and can be used to describe workers who assist politicians or officials working on a hill or in a government building.
Hill workers : ANTS
Ants are known for their hard work and teamwork in building anthills, making them the perfect fit for the clue "Hill workers."
Inkling : IDEA
The word "inkling" means a slight suggestion or indication of something. "Idea" fits this definition as it also refers to a thought or concept, making it a suitable synonym for "inkling."
Italian pronoun : ESSA
"ESSA" is the Italian pronoun equivalent to "she" in English. It is the correct answer to the clue "Italian pronoun" because it fits the definition of a pronoun and is the Italian word for "she."
Karate levels : DANS
The term "Dan" is used in martial arts, including karate, to denote different levels of expertise or rank. So, "Karate levels" is a clue hinting at "DANS" as the answer.
Kellerman who writes Rina Lazarus mystery novels : FAYE
Faye Kellerman is the author of the Rina Lazarus mystery novels, making "FAYE" the correct answer to the clue.
Kicked things off : LED
The phrase "kicked things off" is a common expression meaning to start something or be the leader in a situation. The word "LED" fits this clue because it means to be in front or to guide, making it the correct answer.
Langley, Va., campus : CIA HQ
The Langley, Va., campus is where the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters is located. "CIA HQ" is the abbreviation for CIA Headquarters.
Möbius strip, for one : ENDLESS LOOP
The Möbius strip is a surface with only one side and one boundary. It appears to be an endless loop because it has no clear beginning or end, making "ENDLESS LOOP" an appropriate answer.
Narrow escape : CLOSE SHAVE
The phrase "close shave" is a common idiom that means a narrow escape from a dangerous or difficult situation. In this context, "close" signifies near or narrowly avoiding something, and "shave" refers to a close or narrow margin of escape.
News agency that covered Sputnik : TASS
TASS is the abbreviation for the Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union, which was a major news agency in the Soviet Union that covered the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial Earth satellite.
Ocho x cinco : CUARENTA
The clue "Ocho x cinco" translates to "Eight times five" in Spanish, which equals forty. The Spanish word for forty is "cuarenta," making it the correct answer.
On a roll : HOT
The phrase "on a roll" means experiencing a period of success or good luck. "Hot" is often used to describe something that is doing well or on a winning streak, making it a fitting answer for this clue.
Onetime Dodge : ARIES
The answer "ARIES" fits the clue "Onetime Dodge" because Aries is a former model of Dodge cars.
Opportunity to work from home? : AT BAT
"AT BAT" is a baseball term referring to a player's turn to bat. When working from home, you have the opportunity to be 'at bat' or actively engaged in your work, just like a baseball player at the plate.
Orange stuff : PEELS
"PULP" is the right answer because when you cut open an orange, the fleshy, juicy part inside is called pulp. It is a common term used to describe the edible part of citrus fruits.
Orange stuff : PEELS
The answer "PEELS" fits the clue "Orange stuff" because peels are the outer skin or rind of an orange, making it a relevant and accurate answer.
Orange stuff : PULP
"PULP" is the right answer because when you cut open an orange, the fleshy, juicy part inside is called pulp. It is a common term used to describe the edible part of citrus fruits.
Orange stuff : PULP
The answer "PEELS" fits the clue "Orange stuff" because peels are the outer skin or rind of an orange, making it a relevant and accurate answer.
Places that might have pool queues : YMCAS
The answer "YMCAs" fits the clue because YMCA facilities often have pool tables where pool queues are used.
Pomeranian pick-me-up? : ARF!
The answer "ARF!" is a play on words, as Pomeranians are known for their small size and their tendency to bark a lot. "ARF!" is a sound often associated with a dog's bark, making it a clever and fitting answer for the clue.
Presage : BODE
"BODE" is the right answer because it means to be an omen or a sign of something to come, which is similar in meaning to "presage."
Quarter of tetra- : UNI-
Relic : MUSEUM PIECE
The answer "MUSEUM PIECE" fits the clue "Relic" because relics are often old or historic items that are displayed in museums, making them museum pieces.
Rig __ : Sanskrit text with more than 1,000 hymns
The answer is "Veda" because a "Sanskrit text with more than 1,000 hymns" refers to the Vedas, which are ancient Hindu scriptures containing hymns, rituals, and philosophical teachings.
Run into a hitch? : ELOPE
"Run into a hitch" is a play on words suggesting encountering a problem or obstacle. "Elope" is the right answer because when couples elope, they run away to get married without telling anyone, often to avoid obstacles or objections from others.
Runs off the stage? : BOOS
The answer "BOOS" fits the clue because when someone runs off the stage, they may receive boos from the audience as a negative reaction.
Rupture : BURST
The word "Rupture" is a synonym for "burst," making "BURST" the correct answer.
Secretive state : STEALTH MODE
Security hub : ALARM PANEL
The answer "ALARM PANEL" fits the clue "Security hub" because an alarm panel is a central control unit for a security system that monitors and controls various security devices such as sensors, cameras, and alarms.
See 55- : … FLY
See 55- : … FLY
The answer "BREAKFAST CEREAL" fits the clue "See 55-" because it suggests that there is another clue, likely numbered 55, that is related to breakfast cereal. Without knowing the specific clue, it is difficult to provide further explanation.
See 55- : … FLY
The answer "FAMILY BOARD GAME" is the right solution because it fits the clue "See 55-". This indicates that the answer is related to or can be found at another clue numbered 55.
See 55- : … FLY
Sequence depicting the passage of time, e.g. : MONTAGE
"MONTAGE" is a sequence of film clips or images that are edited together to show the passage of time or convey a story or message in a condensed format. This fits the clue "Sequence depicting the passage of time, e.g."
Sheepishness? : CONFORMITY
The answer "CONFORMITY" fits the clue "Sheepishness?" because sheep are known to follow the herd and conform to the group. So, in this context, sheepishness can be interpreted as conformity.
Short getaways? : VACAYS
The clue "Short getaways?" is a play on words, suggesting that the answer should be a short form of the word "vacations." Therefore, "VACAYS" is the right solution as it is a colloquial term for vacations or getaways.
Source of stability : BALLAST
BALLAST is the right answer because ballast is used to provide stability to a ship or boat by balancing its weight and preventing it from tipping over.
South Asians living abroad : DESIS
"Desis" is a colloquial term used to refer to people of South Asian descent living abroad, particularly in countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It is a commonly used term within the South Asian diaspora, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Step on the scale? : SOL
"SOL" is the answer to "Step on the scale?" because in the musical scale, the note "sol" is a step.
Tour guides? : AREA MAPS
The answer "AREA MAPS" fits because tour guides often use maps to show visitors around a specific location or area.
Trees with pinwheel-like leaves : FAN PALMS
"FAN PALMS" are trees known for their unique leaves that resemble pinwheels. The leaves are shaped like a fan, hence the name "FAN PALMS."
U. of Maryland player : TERP
"TERP" is a common nickname for a University of Maryland player, short for Terrapin, which is the school's mascot.
Utah’s state gem : TOPAZ
TOPAZ is the state gem of Utah as it is found in abundance in the state and is also the official state gemstone.
Wan : ASHY
"PALLID" is a synonym for "Wan," which means lacking color or appearing pale. So, "PALLID" is the right solution for the clue "Wan."
Wan : ASHY
The word "Wan" can be a synonym for pale or sickly. "Ashy" can also mean pale or lacking color, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Welcome addition : CHERRY ON TOP
The phrase "cherry on top" is often used to describe something that is an extra or finishing touch that makes something good even better. In this case, it signifies a welcome addition to something already good.
White House resident between Eleanor and Mamie : BESS
Bess Truman was the wife of President Harry S. Truman, who was the White House resident between Eleanor Roosevelt and Mamie Eisenhower.
With 57-, unleash : LET …
The phrase "let loose" is a common expression that means to unleash or release something. In this case, "let" is the answer to the clue "With 57-, unleash."
[That’s right!] : [DING!]
The answer "[DING!]" is often used to represent a sound indicating that something is correct or right, making it a suitable response to the clue "[That’s right!]".
__ du jour : PLAT
"Du jour" means "of the day" in French. In a restaurant, "plat du jour" refers to the dish of the day. Therefore, the answer to "__ du jour" is "PLAT."
__ shed : SHE
The word "shed" sounds like "she'd," which is a contraction of "she had" or "she would." Therefore, the answer to "__ shed" is "SHE."
__ shed : SHE
The word "__ shed" refers to a place where one might store tools or garden equipment. "SHE" is the correct answer because it completes the word "SHED," which is a common term for this type of storage structure.
__-town : CHI
"__-town" is a common way to refer to Chicago, which is often called "Chi-town" for short. Therefore, the answer to "__-town" is "CHI."
“I raise my glass” : HERE’S TO YOU
The phrase "Here's to you" is commonly used when raising a glass in a toast, making it a fitting answer to the clue "I raise my glass."
“It follows … ” : THUS …
The phrase "It follows" is often used to introduce a logical conclusion or consequence, which can be represented by the word "THUS."
“I’m Yours” singer : MRAZ
Jason Mraz is the singer known for the song "I'm Yours," making "MRAZ" the correct answer.
“Moneyball” figure Billy : BEANE
Billy Beane is a former professional baseball player and current executive in Major League Baseball. He is well-known for his role in the book and movie "Moneyball," which focused on his innovative approach to building a competitive team on a limited budget. Therefore, the answer to the clue "“Moneyball” figure Billy" is BEANE.
“Ur so right” : TRU
The answer "TRU" is a shortened and informal way of spelling "true," which is a common way of agreeing with someone in casual conversation.