Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 28 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.
Anatomical sac : CYST
The term "cyst" refers to an anatomical sac that can form in the body, containing fluid, pus, or other material. It fits the clue "Anatomical sac" because a cyst is a sac-like structure found in the body.
Artisan’s output : HANDIWORK
The term "artisan" refers to a skilled worker who creates things by hand. Therefore, the output of an artisan would be their "handiwork," which is work done skillfully by hand.
Automation prefix : ROBO- Down 1 Derive
The answer to "Automation prefix" being "ROBO-" is correct because "ROBO-" is a common prefix used to indicate automation or robot-related concepts, such as in words like "robotics" or "robocall."
Behold : SEE
The answer "TA-DA!" is the right solution because it is a common exclamation used to draw attention or announce something exciting or surprising.
Behold : SEE
"Voilà" is a French word often used to draw attention to something being presented or shown, making it an appropriate answer to the clue "Behold!" in a crossword puzzle.
Behold : SEE
The word "behold" is a synonym for "see," making "SEE" the correct answer.
Bog accumulations : PEATS
Peats are accumulations of partially decayed organic matter found in bogs. This makes "PEATS" the correct answer to the clue "Bog accumulations."
Brew in a mug : ALE
The answer "TEA" fits the clue "Brew in a mug" because tea is a common hot beverage that is brewed by steeping tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water, typically in a mug.
Brew in a mug : ALE
The answer "ALE" fits the clue "Brew in a mug" because ale is a type of beer that is typically served in a mug or tankard.
Brew in a mug : TEA
The answer "TEA" fits the clue "Brew in a mug" because tea is a common hot beverage that is brewed by steeping tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water, typically in a mug.
Brew in a mug : TEA
The answer "ALE" fits the clue "Brew in a mug" because ale is a type of beer that is typically served in a mug or tankard.
Cal State city : CHICO
"CHICO" is the right solution because it is a city in California that is home to California State University, Chico.
Canadian gas brand : ESSO
Esso is a well-known gas brand that operates in Canada and many other countries around the world. It is a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world.
Canadian gas brand : ESSO
The answer to "Canadian gas brand" is "ESSO" because ESSO is a well-known gas brand that operates in Canada.
Canadian gas brand : ESSO
"ESSO" is a well-known Canadian gas brand with numerous gas stations across the country.
Clear : ERASE
The word "EVIDENT" means clear or obvious, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Clear."
Clear : ERASE
The word "clear" can mean to remove or erase something, making "ERASE" the right answer.
Clear : ERASE
The word "NET" can mean clear in the context of catching or trapping something, like a fisherman catching fish in a net.
Clear : ERASE
The word "erase" means to clear or remove something, such as writing on a board. In this context, "clear" can be synonymous with "erase," making it the right solution.
Co-branding by web-based sellers? : E-MERGING MARKETS
The answer "E-MERGING MARKETS" is a play on words combining "E-MERGING" (referring to online presence) and "MARKETS" (referring to sellers). This cleverly fits the clue about co-branding by web-based sellers.
Collette of “The Power” : TONI
Toni Collette is an Australian actress who starred in the TV show "The Power." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "TONI."
Consideration when halving or doubling a recipe : RATIO
The answer "RATIO" fits because when halving or doubling a recipe, you need to consider the ratio of ingredients to maintain the right balance of flavors and consistency.
Dollar : ONE
The word "ONE" is often used as a synonym for "Dollar" in crossword puzzles because the dollar bill denomination is represented by the number one.
Droop : SAG
"SAG" means to sink or bend downwards under weight or pressure. "Droop" also means to sink or bend downwards, making "SAG" the correct solution.
Droop : SAG
The answer to "Droop" is "SAG" because it is a verb that means to bend or hang down in a downward direction.
Droop : SAG
"SAG" is the right answer because it is a synonym for "droop", meaning to hang or bend downward due to weight or pressure.
Dust speck : MOTE
"Mote" is a small particle or speck of dust, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Dust speck."
Dwell : RESIDE
"RESIDE" is the right answer because it is a synonym for "dwell," meaning to live in a particular place.
Dwell : RESIDE
The word "reside" is a synonym for "dwell," meaning to live in a particular place. It fits the clue perfectly.
Excellent joke : CORKER
The term "corker" is often used to describe an excellent or outstanding joke. It is a slang term that signifies a joke that is particularly good or impressive, making it the right solution for the clue "Excellent joke."
Fermented Japanese condiment : TAMARI
"TAMARI" is a type of fermented Japanese condiment that is similar to soy sauce but typically made without wheat. It is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine and fits the clue description well.
Fine-grained soil : SILT
SILT is a type of fine-grained soil, making it the correct answer to the clue "Fine-grained soil."
Fine-grained soil : SILT
"CLAY" is the right answer because it is a type of fine-grained soil with particles smaller than silt but larger than colloids.
Fine-grained soil : CLAY
SILT is a type of fine-grained soil, making it the correct answer to the clue "Fine-grained soil."
Fine-grained soil : CLAY
"CLAY" is the right answer because it is a type of fine-grained soil with particles smaller than silt but larger than colloids.
First aid pro : EMT
EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician, who is a first aid professional trained to provide emergency medical care.
Frat boys : BROS
"BROS" is a slang term often used to refer to fraternity brothers, which are commonly known as frat boys.
Grab with a toothpick : STAB
"STAB" is the right solution because the word "grab" in the clue suggests a quick, forceful action, which aligns with the idea of stabbing something with a toothpick.
Grocery department : DELI
The answer "DELI" fits the clue "Grocery department" because the deli is a section in a grocery store where you can find prepared meats, cheeses, and sandwiches.
Group of online church leaders? : E-RECTOR SET
The answer "E-RECTOR SET" is a play on words combining "E-rector" (online church leaders) and "erector set" (a construction toy). It cleverly combines the two concepts to create a humorous and fitting answer for the clue.
Guide : USHER
Guide : USHER
"USHER" is the right solution for "Guide" because an usher is someone who shows people to their seats, guides them to the right location, or assists them at an event or venue.
Hair-raising product : GEL
"GEL" is a hair product commonly used to style hair and can create a "hair-raising" effect by adding volume and hold to the hair.
Hangs on the line : DRIES
The answer "DRIES" fits the clue "Hangs on the line" because clothes are hung on a line to dry after being washed.
Headquarters for a simulated space launch? : E-MISSION CONTROL
The answer "E-MISSION CONTROL" is a play on the word "mission control" by adding the prefix "E-" to indicate that it is a simulated or electronic version of a space launch headquarters.
High flyer : JET
"Jet" is the right solution because a jet is a type of aircraft that flies at high speeds and altitudes, making it a high flyer.
Household expenses : MORTGAGES
Human rights lawyer Clooney : AMAL
Amal Clooney is a well-known human rights lawyer, making "AMAL" the right answer for the clue.
Human rights lawyer Clooney : AMAL
Amal is a well-known human rights lawyer and activist, and she is often referred to in crossword puzzles by her first name.
Ill-gotten gains : LUCRE
Ill-gotten gains : LUCRE
The term "lucre" is often used to refer to money or profits obtained dishonestly or illegally, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Ill-gotten gains."
Informal title for a clergyman : REV
"REV" is short for "Reverend," which is an informal title commonly used for a clergyman.
Jasper Johns genre : POP ART
The answer "POP ART" is correct because Jasper Johns is known for his contributions to the Pop Art movement in the art world.
Keep time with one’s foot : TOE-TAP
The answer "TOE-TAP" fits because tapping one's toe is a common way to keep time with music or rhythm. The clue suggests a simple and common action that matches the answer.
Kitchen block insert : KNIFE
The answer "KNIFE" fits the clue "Kitchen block insert" because a knife is commonly inserted into a knife block in the kitchen for storage and easy access while cooking.
Legato symbol on a score : SLUR
The term "slur" is used in music notation to indicate that a group of notes should be played smoothly and connected, which is known as legato. So, "slur" is the legato symbol on a score.
Like many shower stalls : TILED
"TILED" is the right solution because many shower stalls are covered with tiles for waterproofing and easy cleaning.
Linux predecessor : UNIX
UNIX is the predecessor of Linux because Linux was developed based on the principles and design of UNIX operating system. Many features and concepts in Linux were inherited from UNIX, making it the natural predecessor.
List shortener : ETC
"Et al." is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase "et alia" which means "and others." In a list, it is used to indicate that there are additional unnamed items or people. So, "List shortener" refers to "Et al." as it is commonly used to shorten a list of names or items by indicating that there are others not explicitly mentioned.
List shortener : ETC
The answer "ETC" is short for "et cetera," which is commonly used to indicate that there are more items in a list that are not explicitly mentioned.
Many an August baby : LEO
The zodiac sign for people born in August is Leo.
Martian, perhaps : ALIEN
The answer "ALIEN" fits because Martians are often depicted as beings from another planet, making them synonymous with aliens.
Martians, perhaps : GREEN MEN
The answer "GREEN MEN" is a common term used to refer to Martians in popular culture, as Martians are often depicted as having green skin in movies and literature.
Medicinal or savory plants : HERBS
"HERBS" are plants that are used for medicinal or culinary purposes, making them a fitting answer for the clue "Medicinal or savory plants."
Mil. branch : USN
"Mil. branch" is a common abbreviation for military branch. "USN" is the abbreviation for the United States Navy, which is one of the branches of the US military.
Minus : LESS
"SANS" is a French word that means "without". In English, it is commonly used to indicate that something is missing or excluded. Therefore, "Minus" is a synonym for "without" and "SANS" is a suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Minus : LESS
The word "minus" indicates subtraction or taking away. In mathematics, the symbol for subtraction is "-". The word "less" is synonymous with subtraction, making it the correct answer for the clue "Minus."
Minus : LESS
The word "minus" indicates subtraction, which means to take away. In mathematics, "less" is commonly used to mean subtraction or reducing a quantity.
Narcissists : EGOTISTS
The answer "EGOTISTS" is the right solution because both "narcissists" and "egotists" refer to people who are excessively self-centered and self-absorbed, often to the detriment of others. They both describe individuals who prioritize themselves above all else.
Not well-done : RARE
The term "rare" is often used to describe meat that has been cooked for a shorter amount of time, resulting in a pink or red center. Therefore, "not well done" can be interpreted as "rare."
Not well-done : RARE
"RARE" is the right answer because in cooking, "rare" refers to meat that is cooked for a short time, leaving it pink or red in the center. This is the opposite of "well-done," which means the meat is cooked thoroughly.
NYC hrs. : EST
The answer to "NYC hrs." is "EST" because it stands for Eastern Standard Time, which is the time zone observed in New York City.
NYC hrs. : EST
The abbreviation "EST" stands for Eastern Standard Time, which is the time zone used in New York City.
One of Padmé and Anakin’s twins : LUKE
Luke is one of Padmé and Anakin's twins in the "Star Wars" universe, as revealed in the original trilogy.
Phi __ Kappa : BETA
The phrase "Phi __ Kappa" is a common pattern in fraternity names, where the blank is filled with a Greek letter. In this case, the answer "BETA" fits the pattern correctly, making it the right solution.
Picnic spoiler : RAIN
"RAIN" is the right answer because it can spoil a picnic by making everything wet and uncomfortable, forcing people to seek shelter indoors.
Prefix with dynamic : AERO-
The prefix "aero-" refers to air or aviation. "Dynamic" relates to motion or movement. Therefore, "aero-" as a prefix with "dynamic" creates the word "aerodynamic," which means relating to the movement of air and objects through it.
Prefix with dynamic : AERO-
The prefix "AERO-" means related to the air or aviation. When combined with "dynamic," it forms the word "aerodynamic," which relates to the motion of air and objects moving through it efficiently.
Prefix with dynamic : AERO-
The prefix "AERO-" is commonly used to refer to things related to air or aviation. Therefore, when combined with "dynamic," it forms the word "aerodynamic," which relates to the way objects move through the air.
Prom conveyance : LIMO
The answer "LIMO" fits the clue "Prom conveyance" because a limousine is a popular and luxurious mode of transportation often used for special occasions like proms.
Prong : TINE
"TINE" is the correct answer because a prong is a pointed projection, typically part of a fork or antler, and "tine" specifically refers to the pointed projection on a fork or antler.
Pronoun option : HER
The answer to "Pronoun option" is "SHE" because it is one of the pronouns used to refer to a female person.
Pronoun option : HER
The pronoun "her" is a valid option because it is commonly used to refer to a female person or object.
Recognition for top cyber snoops? : E-SPY AWARDS
The answer "E-SPY AWARDS" is a play on the real-life "ESPY Awards" which recognize excellence in sports. In this crossword clue, "cyber snoops" refers to spies who operate online, hence the term "E-SPY AWARDS" is a clever and fitting twist on the original award name.
Rehabilitate : REFORM
"Reform" means to make changes in order to improve or rehabilitate something, making it the right answer for the clue "Rehabilitate."
Science site : LAB
The answer "LAB" is short for laboratory, which is a common site for conducting scientific experiments and research.
Silky fabric : SATEEN
"SATEEN" is the right solution because it is a type of fabric known for its smooth and silky texture, achieved through a weaving process that gives it a lustrous finish.
Some Central Europeans : SLAVS
The answer "SLAVS" fits the clue "Some Central Europeans" because Slavs are an ethnic group native to Central and Eastern Europe.
Sound reflection : ECHO
The answer "ECHO" fits because an echo is a sound reflection that occurs when sound waves bounce off a surface and return to the listener's ears.
Spunk : MOXIE
"SASS" is a synonym for spunk, as it can mean having a bold and spirited attitude.
Spunk : MOXIE
"Moxie" is a slang term that means courage, determination, and energy. It is often used to describe someone with a lot of spunk or spirit, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Spunk."
Stretches often named for music genres : ERAS
unknown
Taberna dish : TAPA
"Tapa" is the right solution because it is a small Spanish savory dish typically served with drinks. It fits the clue "Taberna dish" as tapas are commonly found in Spanish taverns or tabernas.
Threadbare : RATTY
"WORN" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "threadbare," which means worn out or shabby from much use.
Threadbare : RATTY
"RATTY" is the right solution for "Threadbare" because it means worn-out or shabby, which is synonymous with threadbare.
Waffle maker : EGGO
EGGO is the right solution because it is a popular brand of frozen waffles, and a waffle maker is used to make waffles.
Wearying trip : TREK
"TREK" is the right solution because a trek typically refers to a long and tiring journey, making it synonymous with a wearying trip.
Weasel with a black-tipped tail : STOAT
A stoat is a type of weasel that is known for its black-tipped tail, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Working diligently : AT IT
"AT IT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to describe someone who is working diligently or persistently on a task or project. It conveys the idea of being focused and actively engaged in getting something done.
__ alai : JAI
The term "JAI" is the second part of the phrase "jai alai," which is a sport that originated in the Basque region of Spain. In crossword puzzles, "JAI" is a common shorthand clue for this sport.
__ fresca : AGUA
The answer "AGUA" is the right solution because "agua fresca" is a Spanish term meaning "fresh water" or "refreshing water." It is a popular beverage made by mixing water with fruits, flowers, or herbs.
__ fresca : AGUA
The term "__ fresca" is commonly used in Spanish to indicate a refreshing drink made with a certain ingredient. In this case, "agua" means water, so "agua fresca" translates to "fresh water" or a refreshing water-based drink.
__ Rouge : Paris cabaret
The answer "Paris cabaret" fits the clue "__ Rouge" because "Moulin Rouge" is a famous cabaret in Paris, making it a well-known association.
“That was a long time __” : AGO
The phrase "That was a long time __" implies that the event being referred to happened in the past. The word "AGO" indicates a specific amount of time that has passed in the past, making it the correct answer for this clue.