Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 31 March 2025, Monday. 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.
14-time French Open winner, to fans : RAFA
The answer "RAFA" is a common nickname for Rafael Nadal, who is a 14-time French Open winner.
Approvals : YESES
The answer "YESSES" is the right solution for the clue "Approvals" because "YESSES" is the plural form of "YES," which is commonly used to indicate agreement or approval.
Approvals : YESES
The answer "YESES" is the plural form of "YES," which means approvals or agreements.
Approvals : YESES
The answer "YESES" is the plural form of "YES," which fits the clue "Approvals" as it refers to multiple instances of agreeing or giving consent.
Bassoon essentials : REEDS
The bassoon produces sound by blowing air through a double reed. Therefore, "REEDS" are essential for playing the bassoon.
Beseech : URGE
The word "urge" means to strongly encourage or request someone to do something, which is similar in meaning to "beseech."
Beseech : URGE
"BEG" is the right answer because it is a synonym for "beseech," meaning to ask urgently or fervently for something.
Beseech : URGE
"Entreat" is synonymous with "beseech," as both words mean to earnestly ask or plead for something.
Beseech : URGE
The word "urge" means to strongly encourage or persuade someone to do something, which is similar to the idea of beseeching someone for something. Therefore, "urge" is a suitable answer for the clue "Beseech."
Binary code digit : ONE
The answer "ONE" is the right solution because in binary code, there are only two possible digits: 0 and 1. So, the binary code digit can be either 0 or 1, making "ONE" the correct answer.
Blinking body part : EYELID
The "blinking body part" that covers and protects the eye is the EYELID. It moves to moisten the eye and protect it from foreign objects.
Boozy brew : ALE
"Boozy brew" is a common clue for ALE because ale is an alcoholic beverage that is brewed and known for its boozy or intoxicating properties.
Bring to a stop : ARREST
The word "arrest" can mean to bring to a stop, especially in the context of stopping someone's movement or progress.
Brontë governess : EYRE
The Brontë governess refers to the character Jane Eyre from the novel "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë. Therefore, the answer is "EYRE."
Brush target : HAIR
The answer "HAIR" fits the clue "Brush target" because hair is what a brush is typically used on, such as a hairbrush for grooming hair.
Chances for a hit : AT BATS
The term "at bats" is used in baseball to refer to a batter's turn at trying to hit the ball. So, "Chances for a hit" can be represented by "AT BATS" as it relates directly to the opportunity a player has to get a hit during a game.
Coretta King, __ Scott : NEE
The term "nee" is used to indicate a woman's maiden name, so in this case, "Coretta King, __ Scott" is asking for Coretta King's maiden name, which is Scott.
Crotchety Muppet : OSCAR
Oscar the Grouch is a crotchety Muppet character from Sesame Street, known for his grumpy and irritable personality. "OSCAR" fits the clue because it refers to this specific Muppet character.
Deliver a speech : ORATE
"Orate" means to deliver a formal speech, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Deliver a speech."
Dueler’s implement : EPEE
The answer "EPEE" is the right solution because an epee is a type of sword used in fencing duels.
FDR’s middle name : DELANO
The answer to "FDR’s middle name" is "DELANO" because Franklin D. Roosevelt's middle name was Delano.
Fútbol cheer : OLE!
"Olé" is a Spanish word used to express excitement or admiration. It is often used as a cheer in bullfighting and soccer games. Therefore, "Fútbol cheer" is a clue that is asking for a cheer commonly used in soccer, which is "OLE!"
Fútbol cheer : OLE!
"OLE!" is a common cheer in Spanish-speaking countries, often heard at soccer matches. It is used to show excitement and support for a team's performance.
Fútbol cheer : OLE!
"OLE!" is a common cheer used in Spanish-speaking countries during soccer matches, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Fútbol cheer."
Game show prize, maybe : TRIP
The answer "TRIP" fits the clue "Game show prize, maybe" because on game shows, contestants often win trips as prizes.
Green-skinned pears : ANJOUS
The answer "ANJOUS" fits the clue "Green-skinned pears" because Anjou pears are a variety of pear known for their green skin.
Hospital caregivers : NURSES
"NURSES" are hospital caregivers as they provide medical care, assist with daily tasks, and offer emotional support to patients. They are a crucial part of the healthcare team in a hospital setting.
Infomercial exhortation : DON’T DELAY!
The phrase "DON’T DELAY!" is commonly used in infomercials to urge viewers to act quickly and make a purchase without waiting.
Kinds : ILKS
The word "ILKS" is the plural form of "ilk," which means type or kind. It is a synonym for kinds, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Kona greetings : ALOHAS
The answer "ALOHAS" fits the clue "Kona greetings" because "Aloha" is a common Hawaiian word used for both hello and goodbye, and "Kona" is a district on the Big Island of Hawaii known for its coffee and beautiful beaches.
Lasting forever : ETERNAL
The word "eternal" means lasting forever, making it the correct answer to the clue "Lasting forever."
Like 2025 : ODD
unknown
Like a finalized contract : SIGNED
The word "SIGNED" is the right solution because a finalized contract is typically signed by all parties involved to make it legally binding.
Like milligrams and milliliters : METRIC
The answer "METRIC" fits the clue because milligrams and milliliters are units of measurement in the metric system.
Lotion additive : ALOE
The answer "ALOE" is the right solution because aloe is commonly used as an additive in lotions due to its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Lotion additive : ALOE
ALOE is a common additive in lotions known for its moisturizing and soothing properties, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Lotion additive."
Lotion additive : ALOE
Aloe is a common additive in lotions because of its soothing and moisturizing properties, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.
Malign, as a reputation : IMPUGN
The word "impugn" means to challenge or attack someone's reputation, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Malign, as a reputation."
Megaplex chain : AMC
AMC is a well-known chain of movie theaters with many locations, making it a common answer for the clue "Megaplex chain."
Modernist with a memorable mustache : DALI
"DALI" is the right solution because Salvador Dalí was a famous modernist artist known for his distinctive and memorable mustache.
Mythological ship : ARGO
The Argo is a mythological ship from Greek mythology that Jason and the Argonauts sailed on in their quest for the Golden Fleece. It is a well-known and iconic ship in Greek mythology, making it the correct answer for the clue "Mythological ship."
Name of two Monty Python members : TERRY
TERRY is the right answer because it can refer to both Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam, who were members of Monty Python.
Nest egg letters : IRA
The term "nest egg" is often used to refer to savings that are set aside for the future. An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a type of savings account that is specifically designed to help people save for retirement. Therefore, "Nest egg letters" is a clue that is hinting at the acronym for this type of account, which is IRA.
Nest egg letters : IRA
The abbreviation "IRA" stands for Individual Retirement Account, which is a type of savings account with tax advantages for retirement savings. It is commonly referred to as a "nest egg" because it is meant to help individuals save for their retirement.
Nest egg letters : IRA
The answer "IRA" stands for Individual Retirement Account, which is a common way to save money for retirement, often referred to as a nest egg.
North __ Sea : Asian lake
North __ Sea : Asian lake
North __ Sea : Asian lake
unknown
North __ Sea : Asian lake
unknown
Not quite right : AWRY
The word "off" can mean not quite right or incorrect, which fits the clue.
Not quite right : AWRY
The answer "AMISS" fits the clue "Not quite right" because it means that something is not correct or not as it should be.
Not quite right : AWRY
"WONKY" means not quite right or askew, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Not quite right."
Not quite right : AWRY
The word "off" can mean not quite right or incorrect, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Not quite right."
Not quite right : AWRY
The word "AWRY" means not quite right or off course, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Not quite right."
Ostrich kin : EMU
The answer to "Ostrich kin" is "EMUS" because emus are closely related to ostriches. They both belong to the same family of flightless birds called "Ratites."
Ostrich kin : EMU
"Ostrich kin" is a clue looking for a bird that is related to an ostrich. The answer "EMU" fits because emus are large flightless birds like ostriches, making them kin or relatives.
Periodic Pacific current : EL NINO
El Niño is a periodic climate pattern that involves warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. This makes it the right answer for the clue "Periodic Pacific current."
Plane tracker : RADAR
The answer "RADAR" is the right solution because radar is a technology used to track the movement of planes by emitting radio waves and detecting their reflections. It is commonly used in aviation for air traffic control and navigation purposes.
Plane tracker : RADAR
RADAR is the right solution because it is a technology used to detect the position, speed, and direction of airplanes and other objects in the sky.
Princeton Review subj. : PSAT
The "Princeton Review" is a test preparation company, and one of the subjects they help students prepare for is the PSAT exam. Therefore, the answer to "Princeton Review subj." is "PSAT."
Quietly agree : NOD Down 1 Panza of “Don Quixote”
"NOD" is the right solution for "Quietly agree" because nodding is a common nonverbal way to show agreement or approval, and doing so quietly would be a subtle way to indicate agreement.
Referenced : CITED
The word "referenced" indicates mentioning a source or a specific point, which aligns with the definition of "cited" as in citing a source or reference.
Reggae kin : SKA
"SKA" is the right solution because it is a genre of music closely related to reggae. It originated in Jamaica in the late 1950s and is often considered a precursor to reggae.
Reggae kin : SKA
"Ska" is a genre of music closely related to reggae, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Reggae kin".
Required : NEEDED
"Required" and "Needed" are synonyms, both indicating something that is necessary or essential. In this context, the word "Needed" fits the clue as it means something that is required or obligatory.
Sense of diplomacy : TACT
"TACT" is the right solution because having tact means having the ability to communicate effectively and considerately in delicate situations, showing a sense of diplomacy.
Side wager on a sporting event, informally : PROP BET
"PROP BET" is the right solution because it is a common term used informally to refer to a side wager on a sporting event. "PROP" is short for proposition, and a prop bet is a bet made on a specific aspect of a game or event, such as which team will score first or how many points a player will score.
Sketch out : PLAN
The answer "PLAN" fits the clue "Sketch out" because planning involves outlining or sketching a strategy or course of action. It is a concise and accurate representation of the clue.
Sloth or greed : SIN
The answer "SIN" fits the clue "Sloth or greed" because both sloth and greed are considered sins in many religious and moral traditions.
Soaks up the sun : TANS
The answer "TANS" fits the clue "Soaks up the sun" because when you soak up the sun, you get a tan from the exposure to sunlight.
Spanish 4-Down : SENORA
The answer "SENORA" fits the clue "Spanish 4-Down" because "Señora" is a Spanish term of address for a married woman, equivalent to "Mrs." in English.
Speech imperfection : LISP
"LISP" is the right solution because it is a speech imperfection characterized by the difficulty in pronouncing the "s" and "z" sounds.
Stinging bug : WASP
"WASP" is the right solution because a wasp is a type of insect known for its sting, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Stinging bug."
Sulk : MOPE
"Mope" is a synonym for "sulk," meaning to be unhappy and withdrawn. It fits the clue well and is commonly used in this context.
Texas border city : LAREDO
The answer to "Texas border city" is "EL PASO" because it is a city located on the border between Texas, United States, and the neighboring country of Mexico.
Texas border city : LAREDO
"LAREDO" is the right solution because it is a city in Texas located on the border with Mexico.
Thought out loud : OPINED
"Thought out loud" is a clue that suggests expressing an opinion or belief. The word "opined" means to express an opinion, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Thwack : SLAP
The word "thwack" is a verb that means to strike forcefully with a sharp sound. "Swat" is a verb that means to hit with a sharp blow, which is a synonym of "thwack". Therefore, "SWAT" is the right answer to the crossword clue "Thwack".
Thwack : SLAP
SLAP is a synonym for thwack, which means to strike forcefully with the hand.
Tiny hooter : OWLET
The answer "OWLET" fits the clue "Tiny hooter" because an owlet is a young owl, and owls are known for their distinctive hooting sound.
Title said with the tip of a hat, perhaps : MA’AM
The answer "MA'AM" is a title that is often used to show respect when addressing a woman, and it is commonly said with a tip of the hat as a gesture of politeness.
Unserious typeface : COMIC SANS
The answer "COMIC SANS" fits the clue "Unserious typeface" because Comic Sans is a widely recognized typeface known for its informal and playful appearance, making it a popular choice for casual or lighthearted content.
Valentine’s Day flower : ROSE
A rose is a popular flower often given on Valentine's Day as a symbol of love and affection. It is a classic choice for expressing romantic feelings, making it the perfect answer to the clue "Valentine's Day flower."
Vette alternative : T-BIRD
The clue "Vette alternative" is referring to a sports car, and "T-BIRD" is a common nickname for the Ford Thunderbird, which is a popular sports car similar to a Corvette.
Voucher : CHIT
The word "CHIT" is often used to refer to a voucher or a note, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Voucher."
Wasn’t honest with : LIED TO
"MISLED" is the right answer because it means to give the wrong idea or impression, which is what someone does when they are not being honest with another person.
Wasn’t honest with : LIED TO
The answer "LIED TO" fits the clue "Wasn’t honest with" because it means to not tell the truth to someone.
Word of denial : NOT
The word "NOT" is a common word used to express denial or negation in English. In crossword puzzles, "Word of denial" is a common clue used to hint at the answer "NOT" because it fits the definition perfectly.
__ and tonic : GIN
The clue "__ and tonic" is a common drink combination, with "gin" being the alcohol typically paired with tonic water.
“Cupid” singer Cooke : SAM
SAM is the right answer because Sam Cooke was the singer known for the song "Cupid."
“I’d like a lawn mower and maybe some … ” : EDGE TOOLS
The clue suggests tools used for lawn care, and "edge tools" are commonly used for maintaining the edges of a lawn.
“I’d like something that won’t rust, something … ” : CHROME-PLATED
The answer "CHROME-PLATED" fits the clue because chrome-plating is a process that adds a layer of chromium to prevent rust on metal surfaces.
“I’d like sun protection in the Serengeti, such as a … ” : SAFARI HAT
The answer "SAFARI HAT" fits the clue because a safari hat provides sun protection and is commonly worn in the Serengeti during safaris.
“Miss __” : Broadway musical set in Vietnam
The answer is "Saigon." "Miss Saigon" is a well-known Broadway musical set in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
“Morning Edition” airer : NPR
"NPR" is the right answer because "Morning Edition" is a popular news program broadcast by National Public Radio (NPR).
“One True Thing” novelist Quindlen : ANNA
The answer is "ANNA" because Anna Quindlen is a well-known novelist and journalist, and she wrote the novel "One True Thing."
“Only window shopping,” and what one might say when using the starts of 20-, 31-, or 46- : JUST BROWSING
The phrase "Just Browsing" means only window shopping. The starts of 20-, 31-, and 46- spell out the word "JUST," making "JUST BROWSING" the correct answer.
“Queen of Disco” Summer : DONNA
Donna Summer was known as the "Queen of Disco," making "DONNA" the correct answer for this clue.
“Your point is?” : AND?
The answer "AND?" fits the clue "Your point is?" because it is a common phrase used to express skepticism or indifference towards someone's argument or statement. It conveys the idea of questioning the significance or relevance of what has been said.
“Your point is?” : AND?
The phrase "Your point is?" is often used to prompt someone to continue or explain further. In this context, "AND?" serves a similar purpose, urging the person to elaborate or make their point more clear.