Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 5 May 2023, 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.
1981 Top 10 hit for Soft Cell, and a feature of the answers to the starred clues? : TAINTED LOVE
The answer to each starred clue contains a synonym for "tainted" followed by a synonym for "love." "1981 Top 10 hit for Soft Cell" is also a clue that hints at the answer being "TAINTED LOVE," which was a popular song by Soft Cell in 1981.
AFB truant : AWOL
AWOL stands for "Absent Without Leave" and is commonly used in the military to describe someone who is absent from their post without permission. AFB stands for "Air Force Base", so an "AFB truant" would be someone who is absent without leave from an Air Force Base, making "AWOL" the correct answer.
AFB truant : AWOL
AWOL stands for "Absent Without Leave," which is a term commonly used in the military to describe someone who is absent from their assigned duty without permission. In this case, "AFB truant" is a clue hinting at someone being absent from an Air Force Base (AFB), which fits the definition of AWOL.
Agenda placeholder : TBD
"TBD" stands for "To Be Determined," which is often used as a placeholder in agendas when the specific details or information are not yet available. Therefore, it fits the clue "Agenda placeholder" perfectly.
Automaker with a six-star logo : SUBARU
This is the right solution because Subaru is an automaker that uses a six-star logo as its emblem.
Aveeno grain : OAT
The Aveeno brand uses oats in their products, so "Aveeno grain" refers to the grain used in Aveeno products, which is "OAT".
Bikini top option : HALTER
A halter is a style of women's swimsuit top that ties behind the neck, leaving the back and shoulders exposed. Therefore, it is a valid option for a bikini top.
Black tea variety : ASSAM
Assam is a region in India known for producing black tea. Therefore, "Assam" is a fitting answer to the clue "Black tea variety."
Boxers Laila and Muhammad : ALIS
The clue is referring to two famous boxers with the last name Ali. Laila Ali is the daughter of Muhammad Ali, who is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time. Therefore, the answer is "ALIS" as it refers to both Laila and Muhammad Ali.
Brought up : REARED
The word "reared" can mean to bring up or raise, often in reference to children or animals. Therefore, "Brought up" is a synonym of "reared", making it the correct solution to the crossword clue.
Buckle : GIVE
"GIVE" can be a synonym for "buckle" in the sense that it means to yield or collapse under pressure or force, similar to how a buckle might give way under stress.
Campus group : FRAT
FRAT is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for a fraternity, which is a social organization for male students at a college or university.
Cantina condiment : SAL
"SAL" is the Spanish word for "salt" and is commonly used as a condiment in Mexican cuisine, particularly in a cantina setting. Therefore, "SAL" is the correct answer to the clue "Cantina condiment."
Card holder? : DEALER
In card games, the dealer is the person who holds and distributes the cards to the players. Therefore, the term "card holder" is a cleverly disguised clue for the answer "DEALER".
Carrie-__ Moss of “Jessica Jones” : ANNE
The clue is asking for the last name of the actress who played the role of Carrie-Anne Moss in the TV show "Jessica Jones". The answer is "Anne" because "Carrie-" is already part of the clue and the actress' last name is "Moss".
Cartoon supplier of giant anvils : ACME
ACME is a well-known fictional company that appears in many cartoons, including Looney Tunes. The company is often portrayed as a supplier of various items, including giant anvils, to cartoon characters like Wile E. Coyote.
Celery stalk : RIB
The word "rib" can refer to a long, thin, and straight part of celery, which is commonly called a celery rib.
Column style : IONIC
Ionic is a type of architectural column style characterized by its scroll-shaped ornaments on the capital.
Column style : IONIC
The answer to "Column style" is "DORIC" because the Doric style is one of the three main architectural orders in classical Greek and Roman architecture. It is characterized by simple, sturdy columns with plain capitals, without any decorative elements.
Comment accompanying a dismissive hand wave : OH, THAT
This answer fits the clue because "Oh, that" is a common phrase used to dismiss something or someone with a wave of the hand.
Completely hooked on swearing by a Roman god? : ADDICTED TO JOVE
The clue is a play on the phrase "swearing by Jove," which is an old-fashioned way of expressing surprise or emphasis. The answer "addicted to Jove" means completely hooked on the Roman god Jove (another name for Jupiter).
Confirm the credentials of, say : VET
"Vet" can mean to carefully examine or investigate someone or something, which includes verifying their credentials. Therefore, "confirming the credentials of" fits the definition of "vetting".
Cry to a matey : AHOY!
"AHOY" is a nautical term used to hail or greet someone, especially on a ship. "Matey" is a slang term for a friend or companion. Therefore, "Cry to a matey" is a clue indicating that the answer is a nautical term used to greet a friend, which is "AHOY!"
Dull repetition : ROTE
The word "rote" refers to the process of learning through repetition, often without understanding or creativity. Therefore, it fits the clue "dull repetition" perfectly.
Enemy in “Mulan” : HUN
In the movie "Mulan," the main character Mulan fights against a group of invaders from the north called the Huns. Therefore, "HUN" is the correct answer to the clue "Enemy in 'Mulan'."
European capital : LISBON
Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, which is a country in Europe. Therefore, "European capital" can be answered with "Lisbon".
Face off in the ring : SPAR
"Face off" is a clue that suggests a physical confrontation, and "in the ring" indicates that it is a sport. "Spar" is a term used in boxing and other combat sports to refer to a practice fight or training session. Therefore, "Spar" is the right solution.
Field of study : AREA
"Field of study" is a common phrase used to refer to a particular subject or discipline that someone may specialize in. "Area" can be used to describe a particular field of study, making it a fitting answer for this crossword clue.
Field of study : AREA
"Field of study" is a clue asking for a general term that refers to a specific area of knowledge or expertise. In this context, "AREA" can be interpreted as a broad category or subject matter that one can specialize in, making it a fitting answer.
Flight risk? : JET LAG
"Flight risk" is a play on words, as it could refer to the possibility of an individual fleeing a situation or the physical act of being on a flight. "Jet lag" is the right answer because it is a condition that occurs when traveling across different time zones, which can disrupt a person's sleep cycle and cause fatigue and other symptoms.
Former CEO profiled in the book “DisneyWar” : EISNER
The book "DisneyWar" profiles the former CEO of Disney, Michael Eisner. Therefore, "EISNER" is the right answer to the crossword clue.
Game delay prevented by a chess clock? : ENDLESS MOVE
In chess, if a player makes the same move repeatedly without making progress, it is called an "endless move". A chess clock prevents this by limiting the amount of time a player has to make a move, thus preventing game delays.
Gut bacteria : E COLI
E. coli is a type of bacteria that commonly lives in the gut of humans and animals. Therefore, it is a correct answer to the clue "gut bacteria."
Gut bacteria : E COLI
The answer "E COLI" fits the clue "Gut bacteria" because E. coli is a common type of bacteria that naturally lives in the intestines of humans and animals.
Gut bacteria : E COLI
The answer "E COLI" fits the clue "Gut bacteria" because E. coli is a common type of bacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals.
Gutter spot : EAVE
The word "eave" refers to the part of a roof that overhangs the walls of a building. This overhanging section often extends far enough to cover the area just outside the walls, which is where rainwater would run down and collect if not for the eave. This area is commonly known as the gutter, hence the clue "gutter spot" leads to the answer "eave".
Hotel hallway sign : ICE
The answer to "Hotel hallway sign" is "ICE" because it is a common sign found on the doors of hotel rooms indicating that the room has an ice bucket for guests to use.
IPO launchers : COS
"COS" is the abbreviation for "Chief Operating Officers", who are often involved in the launch of an IPO (Initial Public Offering).
Letter between sigma and upsilon : TAU
In the Greek alphabet, "sigma" is the 18th letter and "upsilon" is the 20th letter. The letter that comes between them is the 19th letter, which is "tau". Therefore, "tau" is the correct answer to the clue.
Letter between sigma and upsilon : TAU
"Tau" is the letter that comes after "sigma" and before "upsilon" in the Greek alphabet, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Llamalike mammal : ALPACA
An alpaca is a domesticated mammal that is similar to a llama in appearance. Therefore, the answer to "Llamalike mammal" is "ALPACA".
Mastodon feature : TUSK
A mastodon is a prehistoric animal known for its long, curved tusks. Therefore, "TUSK" is a feature that is commonly associated with mastodons.
Max : AT MOST
"Max" is a shortened version of the phrase "maximum." "At most" is a phrase that means the same thing as "maximum," making it the correct answer for the crossword clue.
Max : AT MOST
The word "Max" is often used as an abbreviation for "maximum," which can be synonymous with "peak," meaning the highest point or summit.
Message near a candy bowl : TAKE ONE
This is the right solution because "TAKE ONE" is a common message seen near a bowl of candy, indicating that people should only take one piece of candy.
Newsroom VIPs : EDS
"EDS" stands for "Editors" which are VIPs in a newsroom.
Norse god of war : ODIN
Tyr is the Norse god of war, known for his bravery and sense of duty. He is often depicted as a one-handed god, having sacrificed his hand to bind the monstrous wolf Fenrir.
Norse god of war : ODIN
Odin is the chief god in Norse mythology and is associated with war, battle, victory, and death. He is often depicted as a fierce warrior and is considered the god of war. Therefore, "Norse god of war" is a fitting description for Odin.
Not talking : MUM
The word "MUM" means to be silent or not talking. It is also a play on words as "mum" is another word for "mother" and mothers are often associated with telling their children to be quiet.
Official order : EDICT
The word "edict" refers to an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority. Therefore, it fits the clue "Official order."
Out of the wind : ALEE
"Alee" is a nautical term that means sheltered from the wind. So, "out of the wind" is a clue that is hinting at this definition, making "alee" the correct answer.
Pac-12 school in L.A. : USC
The Pac-12 school located in Los Angeles is the University of Southern California (USC), commonly referred to as USC.
Parish figure : CURATE
A curate is a clergyman who assists a vicar or rector in a parish. Therefore, a curate is a figure in a parish.
Pet collar attachments : ID TAGS
ID tags are commonly attached to pet collars to provide identification information in case the pet gets lost.
Prefix with dilator or scope : BRONCHO-
The prefix "broncho-" refers to the bronchi, which are the two main branches of the trachea that lead to the lungs. "Dilator" and "scope" are both medical instruments used to examine the bronchi, making "broncho-" the correct prefix for this clue.
Produces, as an heir : BEGETS Down 1 Sugar suffix
The word "begets" means to produce or generate offspring, which fits the clue "Produces, as an heir." The suffix "-ets" in "begets" is pronounced similarly to the word "suffix," which fits the clue "Sugar suffix."
Produit de la tête : IDEE
The clue is in French and translates to "Product of the head." The answer "IDEE" is also in French and means "idea," which is something that is created in the mind or head. Therefore, "IDEE" is the correct solution to this crossword clue.
Prohibitions : BANS
The word "prohibitions" means restrictions or bans. "BANS" is a synonym of the word "prohibitions". Therefore, "BANS" is the right answer to the crossword clue.
Pushes to the limit : STRAINS
The word "strains" can mean to push something to its limit or to exert oneself to the utmost.
Put on quite an act : EMOTE
"Put on quite an act" is a clue that indicates a performance or display of emotions. "Emote" means to express emotions in a dramatic or theatrical manner, which fits the clue. Therefore, "EMOTE" is the right solution.
Robot attachment? : -ICS
The suffix "-ics" is used to denote a field of study or a subject. In the context of the clue, "Robot attachment?" refers to the study or field of robotics, which is why the answer is "-ICS".
Sassy retort : DID SO!
"DID SO!" is a sassy retort that is often used to contradict someone's statement. It implies that the statement is false and that the speaker is confident in their disagreement.
Sassy retort : DID SO!
The answer "BITEME" is a sassy retort because it is a direct and confrontational response, implying that the person should physically bite the speaker. It is a common phrase used to show defiance or assertiveness in a snappy manner.
Sassy retort : DID SO!
The answer "AND?!" is a sassy retort commonly used to express defiance or indifference. It fits the clue well because it captures the attitude of someone being unapologetically bold or dismissive in response to a question or criticism.
Scratch, e.g. : MAR
"Scratch" can be a synonym for "mar", meaning to damage or spoil the surface of something.
Scrutinized : EYED
"EYED" is the right solution as it means to look at or examine closely and with attention to detail, which is exactly what "scrutinized" means.
Serving aid : TRAY
TRAY is the right solution because it is a flat or slightly raised platform used for carrying, holding, or displaying things, especially food.
Single, for one : BASE HIT
A "single" is a type of base hit in baseball, so "Single, for one" is a play on words that refers to a BASE HIT.
Space race initials : USSR
The Space Race was a competition between the United States and the Soviet Union (USSR) to see who could achieve various milestones in space exploration first. Therefore, the initials "USSR" are associated with the Space Race.
Space race initials : USSR
The initials "USSR" stand for the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which was a key player in the space race against the United States.
Team whose first manager was Casey Stengel : METS
The New York Mets were an expansion team in 1962 and Casey Stengel was their first manager. Therefore, the answer to the clue is "METS".
The “B” of RBG : BADER
The "B" in RBG stands for Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a former US Supreme Court Justice. "BADER" is her last name, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tucked in : ABED
"ABED" means in bed and "tucked in" is a phrase used to describe someone who is in bed with sheets and blankets pulled up around them. Therefore, "ABED" is the right solution for the clue "Tucked in".
Turn red, say : DYE
The word "dye" can mean to color something, such as fabric or hair, which would cause it to turn a different color, including red.
Valuable deposit : ORE
ORE is a valuable deposit because it contains minerals that can be extracted and processed to produce metals like gold, silver, and copper.
Valuable deposit : ORE
"ORE" is a valuable deposit because it refers to a natural material that contains a valuable mineral or metal that can be extracted for profit, such as gold or silver.
Versatile blackjack card : ACE
In blackjack, the Ace card can be counted as either a 1 or an 11, making it a versatile card that can be used in a variety of ways. Therefore, "Versatile blackjack card" is a fitting clue for the answer "ACE".
Went 60 in a 50, say : SPED
The clue is asking for a past tense verb that means exceeding the speed limit. "SPED" is the past tense of "speed" and fits the clue.
Whoville creator : SEUSS
The answer to "Whoville creator" is "SEUSS" because Dr. Seuss (whose real name is Theodor Seuss Geisel) is the author and illustrator of the children's book "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" which features the fictional town of Whoville.
Window box plant : HERB
The answer to "Window box plant" is "HERB" because herbs are commonly grown in small window boxes due to their compact size and ability to thrive in small spaces.
WNBA player, e.g. : PRO
The WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) is a professional basketball league, so a player in the WNBA is a professional player, which is abbreviated as "PRO".
__ latte : CHAI
Chai latte is a popular beverage made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The word "chai" means tea in Hindi, so a chai latte is essentially a spiced tea latte. Therefore, "chai" is the correct answer for "__ latte".
__ latte : CHAI
__ latte : CHAI
The answer "SOY" is correct because it is a type of milk alternative commonly used in lattes by people who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based option.
__ latte : CHAI
"Chai" is a type of latte made with spiced tea and steamed milk, making it a fitting answer to the clue "__ latte."
“Down in __!” : FRONT
The phrase "Down in front!" is commonly heard in theaters or other venues when someone's view is obstructed. Therefore, "FRONT" is the correct answer to the crossword clue.
“Sounds about right” : I’D BET
"I'd bet" is an expression used to indicate that one believes something to be true or accurate, which is synonymous with the phrase "sounds about right."
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” technique : IMPROV
The answer "IMPROV" is the right solution because "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" is a TV show that features improvisational comedy.
”Has anyone found our pigeon?” : WHERE IS THE DOVE?
The word "pigeon" can be a synonym for "dove," and the question "Has anyone found our pigeon?" is essentially asking "Where is the dove?"