Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 29 March 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.
Bark beetle target : ELM
The bark beetle commonly targets elm trees, making "ELM" the right answer for this clue.
Bigger than big : MEGA
"Mega" is a prefix meaning "very large" or "greatly surpassing." In the context of the clue "Bigger than big," "mega" fits perfectly as it conveys a sense of extreme size or magnitude.
Blue-green : TEAL
"Blue-green" describes the color teal, which is a shade that is a mix of blue and green.
Communicating with pictograms, perhaps : PRELITERATE
The answer "PRELITERATE" fits because communicating with pictograms suggests a time before written language, which is the definition of preliterate.
Contacts list no. : TEL
The abbreviation "TEL" is commonly used to refer to a telephone number in a contacts list.
Country singer Kathy : MATTEA
The country singer Kathy referred to in the clue is Kathy Mattea, so the answer is "MATTEA."
Cozy room : DEN
The word "DEN" is commonly used to describe a small, comfortable, and cozy room in a house, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Cozy room."
Diner’s entitlement to savory flavor? : UMAMI, RIGHT?
The answer "UMAMI, RIGHT?" is a play on words combining the concept of umami, a savory flavor, with the phrase "am I right?" to suggest that umami is the correct flavor for a diner to expect.
Dog’s attention-getter, maybe : PAW
The clue "Dog's attention-getter, maybe" is hinting at how a dog might use its paw to get attention, like tapping you with it.
eBay action : BID
The answer "BID" fits the clue "eBay action" because on eBay, users place bids to indicate the price they are willing to pay for an item in an auction.
Eta follower : THETA
The answer to "Eta follower" is "THETA" because "Theta" is the Greek letter that comes after "Eta" in the Greek alphabet.
Fashionable : CHIC
"HIP" is the right answer because it is a slang term meaning stylish or fashionable.
Fashionable : CHIC
"CHIC" is the right solution because it means stylish and elegant, which is synonymous with being fashionable.
First-year law students : ONE LS
The answer "ONE LS" is the right solution because it is a play on the phrase "first-year law students," where "one" represents the number 1 and "LS" is an abbreviation for law students.
Flamenco shout : OLE!
The answer to "Flamenco shout" is "OLE!" because "OLE!" is a traditional exclamation often associated with flamenco dancing and music.
Flamenco shout : OLE!
"OLE!" is a common Spanish interjection used to express approval or excitement, often heard during flamenco performances.
Fr. title for 9- : MLLE
The French title "Mlle" is the abbreviation for "Mademoiselle," which is the equivalent of "Miss" in English. So, "Mlle" is the correct answer for "Fr. title for 9-" because it is a common abbreviation for addressing a young woman in French.
French street : RUE
"RUE" is the French word for "street," so it fits the clue "French street."
Garment that preserves hair waves : DURAG
The answer "DURAG" is the right solution because a durag is a type of headwear that helps to preserve hair waves, especially for people with textured or curly hair.
Get the picture : SEE
The phrase "get the picture" is a common expression meaning to understand or comprehend something. The word "SEE" is a synonym for understand, making it the right answer.
Gift on “The Bachelor” : ROSE
The answer "ROSE" is correct because on the TV show "The Bachelor," contestants are given roses as a symbol of moving forward in the competition.
Girded (oneself) : STEELED
The word "steeled" in this context means mentally prepared or strengthened oneself, which is synonymous with "girded oneself."
Gripe : BEEF Down 1 __ cross
The answer "BEEF" for the clue "Gripe" fits because "beef" is a slang term for a complaint or grievance.
Heartfelt : SINCERE
"SINCERE" means genuine and heartfelt, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Heartfelt."
Ill-fated : NOT TO BE
The phrase "Not to be" is often used to describe something that is ill-fated or doomed to fail, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Ill-fated."
Intl. alliance joined by Finland in 2023 : NATO
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an international alliance, and Finland is set to join NATO in 2023, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Jessica of “Sin City” : ALBA
The answer is "ALBA" because Jessica Alba is an actress who starred in the movie "Sin City."
Lass : MISS
"Miss" is a title used for an unmarried woman, which is often synonymous with "lass," a term for a young girl or woman.
Little dog : PUP
"PUP" is a common term used to refer to a young dog, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Little dog."
Lopsided : ATILT
The answer "ASKEW" is the right solution for "Lopsided" because it means not in a straight or level position, which accurately describes something that is uneven or tilted.
Lopsided : ATILT
The word "atilt" means not level or straight, which is synonymous with lopsided.
Lore : TALES
The word "lore" refers to traditional knowledge or stories passed down through generations. "Tales" is synonymous with stories, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Los Angeles neighborhood near Reseda : ENCINO
ENCINO is the correct answer because it is a neighborhood in Los Angeles that is located near Reseda.
Loyal : TRUE
The word "true" means loyal or faithful, which makes it a suitable answer for the clue "Loyal".
Loyal : TRUE
TRUE is the right answer because being loyal means being true and faithful to someone or something.
Main courses : ENTREES
The answer "ENTREES" fits the clue "Main courses" because in a restaurant menu, entrees are typically the main dishes served after appetizers.
Michelin product : CAR TIRE
The answer "CAR TIRE" fits the clue "Michelin product" because Michelin is a well-known brand that produces car tires.
Mine find : ORE
"ORE" is the right solution because mines typically produce ore, which is a natural material containing valuable minerals that can be extracted and processed for various uses.
Muslim honorific from which “nabob” is derived : NAWAB
"Nawab" is a Muslim honorific title, and "nabob" is derived from it. The similarity in spelling and pronunciation between "nawab" and "nabob" makes "NAWAB" the correct answer to the clue.
Nabe that might have an H Mart : K-TOWN
The answer "K-TOWN" refers to Koreatown, which is a neighborhood that might have an H Mart, a popular Korean supermarket chain.
Naming : IDENTIFYING
The answer "IDENTIFYING" fits the clue "Naming" because to identify something means to name or recognize it.
NHL great Bobby : ORR
The answer is "ORR" because Bobby Orr is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NHL history.
NHL great Bobby : ORR
The answer "ORR" refers to Bobby Orr, a legendary NHL player considered one of the greatest defensemen in hockey history.
Not-very-straight shooter? : ERRING CAMERA
"ERRING CAMERA" is the right solution because the phrase plays on the idea of a camera being a "shooter," but in this case, the camera is not very straight, or "erring." So, the answer cleverly combines the concept of a camera with the idea of not being straight to create a punny answer.
Of a particular culture : ETHNIC
The word "ethnic" means relating to a particular cultural group or ethnicity. So, "Of a particular culture" can be described as "ethnic."
Old hoops gp. : ABA
The American Basketball Association (ABA) was an old hoops group that existed from 1967 to 1976, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Old hoops gp."
Ozzy Osbourne album in memory of Randy Rhoads : TRIBUTE
The album "Tribute" by Ozzy Osbourne was released in memory of his late guitarist Randy Rhoads, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Pad size : LEGAL
"Pad size" refers to the size of a legal pad, which typically measures 8.5 x 14 inches. Therefore, the correct answer is "LEGAL" as it indicates the size of the pad.
Pal who seconds whatever one says? : LIKEWISE GUY
The answer "LIKEWISE GUY" fits the clue because a "pal" is a friend, and a "likewise guy" is someone who seconds or agrees with whatever one says. It's a playful way of describing a friend who always agrees with you.
Planner division : WEEK
The answer "WEEK" fits the clue "Planner division" because a planner typically divides time into weeks for organization and scheduling.
Pub pours : ALES
The answer "ALES" fits the clue "Pub pours" because ales are a type of alcoholic beverage commonly served in pubs.
Pulitzer-winning rapper Kendrick : LAMAR
Kendrick Lamar is a Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper, making "LAMAR" the correct answer for the clue.
Pump part : TOE
Q neighbor : TAB
The letter "Q" is located next to the letter "TAB" on a standard keyboard, making it a neighbor.
Q neighbor : TAB
The letter "Q" is followed by the letter "R" in the alphabet, making "TAB" the neighbor of "Q" in this sequence.
Quarterback Derek : CARR
Known for playing as a quarterback in the NFL, Derek Carr is a popular and recognizable figure in football. In crossword puzzles, "Quarterback Derek" is a common clue that hints at the answer "CARR" due to its association with Derek Carr.
Reason yellowfin tuna are wallflowers at a school prom? : AHI CAN’T DANCE
The answer "AHI CAN'T DANCE" is a play on words, combining "ahi" which is a type of yellowfin tuna, with the phrase "can't dance" to suggest that yellowfin tuna are wallflowers at a school prom. It's a clever and humorous way to connect the clue to the answer.
Request, as table food : BEG FOR
"BEG FOR" is the right solution because the clue is asking for a word that means to request something, and "BEG FOR" is a common phrase that means to ask for something in a pleading or desperate manner.
Roamed freely : RANGED
"Roamed freely" is a clue that suggests moving about without restrictions. The word "RANGED" fits this clue as it means to move freely over a particular area.
Said, informally : WENT
Scottish wedding garb : KILT
A kilt is traditional Scottish attire often worn at weddings, making it the correct answer for the clue "Scottish wedding garb."
Sew up : END
The term "sew up" can be used to mean to bring something to a conclusion or to finish something. "End" is a synonym for conclusion or finish, making it the right solution for this clue.
Shape the narrative? : EDIT
The answer "EDIT" for the clue "Shape the narrative?" is correct because editing involves revising and rearranging content to craft a cohesive and compelling story or narrative.
Short form of a name that means “merciful” : CLEM
"Clem" is a short form of the name "Clement," which means "merciful."
Sister : NUN
"NUN" is the right solution because a nun is a woman belonging to a religious community who typically lives under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The word "sister" can refer to a female sibling or a nun, making "NUN" a fitting answer.
Sound added to everyday speech, and what’s been added to create the answers to the starred clues : FILLER WORD
The answer "FILLER WORD" fits because it refers to words like "um" or "like" that are added to everyday speech, and in this crossword, those filler words have been added to create the answers to the starred clues.
Sunburn soother : ALOE
The answer to "Sunburn soother" is "ALOE" because aloe vera is a natural plant known for its soothing properties, making it commonly used to treat sunburns.
Sunburn soother : ALOE
The answer "ALOE" is the right solution because aloe vera is a common plant known for its soothing properties, often used to relieve sunburned skin.
Sushi topper : ROE
The word "roe" refers to the eggs of fish, which are commonly used as a topping for sushi. Therefore, "sushi topper" is a fitting clue for the answer "roe".
Sushi topper : ROE
"Roe" is the right answer because it refers to fish eggs commonly used as a topping for sushi dishes.
The Emerald Isle : EIRE
EIRE is the Irish name for Ireland, often referred to as "The Emerald Isle" due to its lush green landscapes.
This instant : NOW
The answer "NOW" fits the clue "This instant" because "now" refers to the present moment or the current time, making it synonymous with "this instant."
Uncomfortably close to home : TOO REAL
The phrase "too real" is often used to describe something that hits too close to home or is uncomfortably close to the truth, making it the right solution for the clue "Uncomfortably close to home."
Vehicle’s shark fin, maybe : ANTENNA
The answer "ANTENNA" fits the clue "Vehicle's shark fin, maybe" because a shark fin on a vehicle is often an antenna used for receiving radio signals.
Wall St. debuts : IPOS
The answer "IPOS" stands for Initial Public Offerings, which are when a company first sells its stock to the public on Wall Street.
Yapped like a dog : ARFED
"ARFED" is the right solution because it is a word that represents the sound a dog makes, which is "arf." So, "yapped like a dog" can be represented by "ARFED."
__ Jam Recordings : DEF
"DEF Jam Recordings" is a well-known record label specializing in hip-hop music. "DEF" is the abbreviation for this record label, making it the right solution.
__ therapy : GENE
The term "gene therapy" refers to a medical treatment that involves introducing genetic material into a person's cells to treat or prevent disease. Therefore, the answer to "__ therapy" is "GENE."
“Easy-peasy” : NO PROB
The phrase "easy-peasy" is a colloquial way of saying that something is very easy or effortless. Therefore, "effortless" is an appropriate answer to this crossword clue.
“Easy-peasy” : NO PROB
"NO PROB" is a casual way of saying "no problem," which is another way of saying something is easy or simple.
“Let’s put a smile on your plate” chain : IHOP
IHOP is a popular restaurant chain known for its slogan "Let's put a smile on your plate" and for serving breakfast food like pancakes and waffles.
“Need I go on?” abbr. : ETC
The abbreviation "ETC" stands for "et cetera," which is commonly used to indicate that there are more examples or options that could be listed. So, "Need I go on?" abbr. is asking if there are more examples to be mentioned, and the answer "ETC" fits perfectly as it implies there are additional items to be included.