Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 3 April 2024, Wednesday. 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.
Actress/director Vardalos : NIA
Nia Vardalos is a well-known actress and director, making "NIA" the correct answer for the clue.
Aim : INTENT
The word "intent" can be used as a synonym for "aim" in the sense of a specific purpose or goal that someone is trying to achieve.
Animated film with talking bugs : ANTZ
"ANTZ" is the right answer because it is an animated film released in 1998 that features talking bugs, specifically ants. It is a play on the word "ants" and fits the clue perfectly.
Bass beer : ALE
The answer "ALE" fits because it is a type of beer, and bass is a type of fish, creating a wordplay connection between the two.
Bathtub buildup : SCUM
The answer "SCUM" fits the clue "Bathtub buildup" because scum is a common residue that can accumulate in bathtubs due to soap, dirt, and oils.
Bialy kin : BAGEL
"Kin" in this context refers to a relative or family member. "Bialy" is a type of bread roll similar to a bagel. Therefore, "Bialy kin" is a play on words indicating that a bagel is a relative or similar food item to a bialy.
Big fans : BUFFS
The term "buffs" can refer to big fans because a buff is someone who is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a particular subject or activity, such as movies or sports.
Bit of deception : RUSE
"RUSE" is the right answer because a ruse is a deceptive trick or tactic used to fool someone. It fits the clue "Bit of deception" perfectly.
Body with notable rings : SATURN
The answer "SATURN" is the right solution because Saturn is a planet in our solar system that is known for its prominent rings.
Breeze (through) : WALTZ
"WALTZ" is the right solution because "breeze through" is a phrase that means to complete something easily and effortlessly, just like how one would dance through a waltz without much difficulty.
Brief mission? : RECON
The answer "RECON" is short for reconnaissance, which means a brief mission to gather information.
Casual contraction : AIN’T
The answer "AIN’T" is a casual contraction of "am not" or "is not". It fits the clue because it is a common informal way of speaking in English.
Curling surface : ICE
The answer "ICE" is correct because curling is played on ice, which is the surface where the game takes place.
Deciduous tree with oblong leaves : ELM
The answer is "ELM" because elm trees are deciduous trees known for their oblong-shaped leaves.
Depiction of integers at regular intervals : NUMBER LINE
The answer "NUMBER LINE" fits because a number line is a visual representation of integers at regular intervals, showing numbers in order from least to greatest with equal spacing between them.
Direct elsewhere : REFER
"Direct elsewhere" is a clue that suggests moving something to another place or person. The word "REFER" means to direct someone or something to another source or person, making it the right solution to this clue.
Dish that may or may not contain beans : CHILI
The dish "chili" is a popular dish that can contain beans, but it can also be made without beans. So, it fits the clue "Dish that may or may not contain beans."
Feline pet : CAT
"CAT" is the right answer because a cat is a common feline pet that many people have in their homes.
Florence Henderson sitcom role : CAROL BRADY
"Carol Brady" is the character played by Florence Henderson in the sitcom "The Brady Bunch." The clue is asking for the sitcom role, and Carol Brady is the correct answer.
Gamut : RANGE
"Gamut" can be defined as the complete range or scope of something. In this context, "range" is a synonym for gamut, making it the correct answer.
God, to Rastafarians : JAH
"JAH" is the right solution because "JAH" is a term used by Rastafarians to refer to God.
Grab a chair : SIT
The answer "SIT" fits the clue "Grab a chair" because when you grab a chair, the next natural action is to sit down.
Greenlights : OKS
The answer "OKS" is the right solution for the clue "Greenlights" because "OKS" is a colloquial term that means giving approval or permission, which can be seen as giving someone the green light to proceed.
Greenlights : OKS
Guacamole fruit : LIME
The answer is "LIME" because limes are commonly used in guacamole to add a tangy flavor and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Hold title to : OWN
The word "own" means to possess or hold title to something, making it the right solution for the clue "Hold title to."
Horde : MOB
The answer "MOB" fits the clue "Horde" because a mob is a large, unruly group of people, similar to a horde.
Imperial reign of China ended by Kublai Khan : SONG DYNASTY
The Song Dynasty was the imperial reign of China that ended when Kublai Khan of the Mongol Empire conquered China in 1279.
Ingredient in a white or black Russian : KAHLUA
The answer "KAHLUA" is correct because Kahlua is a coffee-flavored liqueur commonly used in cocktails like White Russians and Black Russians.
Jost’s “Weekend Update” co-host : CHE
"CHE" is the right answer because it refers to Michael Che, who is a co-host on the "Weekend Update" segment of Saturday Night Live.
Like a zebra : MANED
The answer "MANED" is the right solution because zebras have a mane of hair along their neck and back.
Long time : AGES
The answer to "Long time" is "EON" because an eon is a unit of time that represents an extremely long and indefinite period. It is a word often used to describe a very lengthy duration.
Long time : AGES
The word "era" is commonly used to refer to a long period of time in history. Therefore, "era" is a suitable answer for the clue "Long time."
Long time : AGES
"AGES" is the right solution because it is a colloquial term used to refer to a long period of time, suggesting a significant duration.
Midriffs : WAISTS
The word "midriffs" refers to the middle part of the body, often synonymous with the waist area. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue "Midriffs" is "WAISTS."
Minor quibble : NIT
The answer "NIT" is the right solution because a "nit" is a small or minor complaint or objection. It is a commonly used term to describe a minor quibble.
Minor quibble : NIT
"NIT" is a small egg of a louse or other parasitic insect, which is commonly referred to as a minor issue or quibble. Therefore, "NIT" is the right solution for the clue "Minor quibble."
Noggin : NOB Down 1 One-eighth of a circle
"Noggin" is a slang term for "head". "NOB" is an old-fashioned word for "head", which makes it a suitable answer for the clue.
Noggin : NOB Down 1 One-eighth of a circle
unknown
Outperforms : BESTS
"Outperforms" is a clue indicating that one thing does better than another. The word "BESTS" means to surpass or outdo someone or something, making it the right solution for this clue.
Portion out : ALLOT
The word "ALLOT" means to portion out or distribute something. It fits perfectly with the clue "Portion out" as it describes the action of dividing or assigning something in a specific way.
Portion out : ALLOT
The word "allot" means to portion out or distribute something. In this context, "portion out" is synonymous with "allot," making it the correct answer.
Practices for personal well-being : SELF-CARE
SELF-CARE is the right solution because it refers to activities and practices that individuals engage in to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It encompasses activities such as exercise, relaxation, and healthy eating that promote overall health and happiness.
Prefix with tech : NANO-
"NANO-" is the right answer because it is a common prefix used to indicate something very small or on a microscopic scale, often used in conjunction with technology-related terms.
Psychic’s letters : ESP
The answer "ESP" stands for extrasensory perception, which is often associated with psychics and their ability to perceive information through means other than the five senses.
Race-sanctioning body since 1994 : INDYCAR
INDYCAR is a race-sanctioning body that has been overseeing open-wheel racing in North America since 1994, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Rainforest Cafe, for one : THEME RESTAURANT
The answer "THEME RESTAURANT" fits the clue "Rainforest Cafe, for one" because Rainforest Cafe is a type of restaurant that is known for its themed decor and atmosphere, making it a specific example of a theme restaurant.
Right away : IN A JIFFY
The answer "STAT" is the right solution because it is a common medical abbreviation meaning "immediately" or "right away". It is often used in urgent situations to convey the need for prompt action.
Right away : IN A JIFFY
The answer "ASAP!" is the right solution for the clue "Right away!" because "ASAP" is an abbreviation for "as soon as possible," which means immediately or without delay.
Right away : IN A JIFFY
The answer "IN A JIFFY" is a common phrase that means immediately or without delay, which is a synonym for "Right away."
Roofer’s sealant : TAR
"TAR" is the right solution because it is a common sealant used by roofers to waterproof and seal roofs.
Sailor’s patron : ST ELMO
Served up a whopper : LIED
"LIED" is the right solution because in this context, "whopper" is a slang term for a big lie or falsehood. So, "served up a whopper" means told a big lie, which is synonymous with the word "lied."
She/__ pronouns : HER
The clue is asking for a pronoun that could follow "She." The correct answer is "HER" because it is the objective form of the pronoun "She."
Showed vicarious embarrassment, in a way : WINCED
The answer "WINCED" fits because wincing is a common reaction to feeling vicarious embarrassment. It involves a facial expression of discomfort or pain, which can be a physical manifestation of embarrassment.
Shrewd : CAGEY
"CAGEY" is a fitting answer for "shrewd" because it means clever, cautious, and strategic in a way that shows good judgment and foresight. It captures the essence of being shrewd in a concise manner.
Single-stranded genetic molecule : RNA
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a single-stranded genetic molecule that plays a key role in various biological processes, including protein synthesis. Unlike DNA, which is double-stranded, RNA consists of a single chain of nucleotides. This makes RNA the correct answer to the clue "Single-stranded genetic molecule."
Situation Room gp. : NSC
NSC stands for National Security Council, which is a group that advises the President on national security and foreign policy matters. The Situation Room is a secure facility in the White House where the NSC often meets to discuss urgent national security issues.
Snitch : RAT
"RAT" is a common slang term for a person who informs on others, also known as a snitch.
Southpaw : LEFTY
The term "Southpaw" is often used to refer to a left-handed person, especially in sports like boxing. This is because in baseball, the pitcher's mound is typically to the north of home plate, so a left-handed pitcher's throwing arm would be on the south side, hence the term "Southpaw." "LEFTY" is a common nickname for a left-handed person, making it the right solution for this clue.
Specs dished in a gossip sesh : DEETS
"DEETS" is a slang term for "details," which are often shared during a gossip session, or "sesh." The clue is hinting at the shortened version of the word "details," making "DEETS" the correct answer.
Spicy tuna roll tuna : AHI
Starts looking at things differently, as demonstrated by the first words of the answers to the starred clues? : CHANGES ONE’S TUNE
The first words of the starred clues are all music-related terms, indicating a change in tune or musical direction, leading to the answer "CHANGES ONE’S TUNE."
The 411 : INFO
The term "411" is often used to refer to information or details. "Deets" is a slang abbreviation for "details," so it is the right answer that fits the clue.
The 411 : INFO
The term "The 411" is slang for information or news. "INFO" is a commonly used abbreviation for information, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tie : TETHER
The answer to "Tie" is "DRAW" because in many sports or games, when the scores of two teams or players are equal, the result is called a draw.
Tie : TETHER
The answer to "Tie" is "LINK" because a link can refer to a connection or bond, similar to how a tie can symbolize a connection between people or things.
Tie : TETHER
The answer "BIND" is the right solution because it means to fasten or secure something tightly, which is what you do when you tie something.
Tie : TETHER
Tie : TETHER
The word "draw" can mean a tie or deadlock in a competition or game, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Tie."
Time at a job : STINT
"STINT" is the right solution because a stint refers to a specific period of time spent doing a particular job or activity.
Total randos : NO-NAMES
"Total randos" is a colloquial term for people who are completely unknown or unfamiliar. "No-names" is a slang term that refers to people who are not famous or well-known. Therefore, "No-names" is the right answer to the clue "Total randos" as it is a fitting synonym.
Totally buy : EAT UP
"EAT UP" is a common phrase meaning to completely believe or accept something. In this context, "Totally buy" is a colloquial way of saying the same thing, making "EAT UP" the correct answer.
Unexpected ending : TWIST
The answer "TWIST" fits because an unexpected ending in a story or movie is often referred to as a plot twist. The word "TWIST" captures the idea of something turning or changing unexpectedly.
Universal blood recipient’s designation : TYPE AB
The answer "TYPE AB" is the right solution because individuals with blood type AB can receive blood from any blood type, making them universal recipients.
Unsettling : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution for "Unsettling" because it means strange and frightening, creating a sense of unease or discomfort. The word "eerie" is often used to describe something that is spooky or unsettling in a subtle way.
Wailing spirit of Irish folklore : BANSHEE
The wailing spirit of Irish folklore is commonly known as a banshee, a female spirit believed to herald the death of a family member with her mournful cries.
Wax counterpart : WANE
The word "wax" means to increase or grow, while "wane" means to decrease or decline. They are opposites, making "wane" the counterpart of "wax."
Wobbly craft : CANOE
The answer "CANOE" fits the clue "Wobbly craft" because canoes can sometimes wobble due to their narrow shape and being propelled by paddles.
Words on a family banner : MOTTO
The answer "MOTTO" fits the clue because a motto is a short phrase that expresses a guiding principle or belief, often used as a family's slogan or banner.
Zipper alternative : SNAPS
The answer "SNAPS" is the right solution because snaps are a common alternative to zippers for fastening clothes together.
__ Angeles Sparks : LOS
“Search me” : I DUNNO
"I DUNNO" is a colloquial way of saying "I don't know," which fits the clue "Search me" as a response indicating a lack of knowledge.
“Summer of My German Soldier” novelist Greene : BETTE
“Zorba the Greek” island : CRETE
The island of Crete is where the novel and film "Zorba the Greek" is set, making it the correct answer to the clue.
“__ Te Ching” : Laotzu text
The "Tao Te Ching" is a famous ancient Chinese philosophical text that presents Taoism's core beliefs and teachings. Therefore, "philosophical text" is an accurate description of the answer.
“__ Te Ching” : Laotzu text
The answer "Laotzu text" fits the clue "__ Te Ching" because the Tao Te Ching is a famous text attributed to the Chinese philosopher Laozi, also known as Laotzu.