Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 22 May 2025, Thursday. 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.
AP math class : CALC
The answer "CALC" is short for "calculus," which is a type of advanced math class often taken in high school or college.
Apple device? : CORER
"Apple device?" is a clue that is meant to be interpreted in a literal sense. A corer is a tool specifically designed to remove the core from an apple, making it the correct answer to this clue.
Artist who makes some pretty cool pieces? : ICE SCULPTOR
The answer "ICE SCULPTOR" fits because ice sculptors create cool pieces literally, as their art form involves carving sculptures out of ice, making them a fitting answer to the clue.
Basic lesson : ABCS
The answer "ABCS" is the right solution because the basic lesson that everyone learns typically starts with the alphabet, which consists of the letters A, B, C, and so on.
Bass kin : CELLO
The answer "CELLO" is a type of bass instrument, making it a fitting response to the clue "Bass kin."
Before now : AGO
The word "ago" indicates that something happened in the past. It is used to refer to a time that is before the present moment. Therefore, "ago" is the right answer to the clue "Before now."
Before now : AGO
The word "ago" is used to refer to a time in the past before the present moment. It fits the clue "Before now" as it indicates a period of time that has already passed.
Before now : AGO
"AGO" is the right solution because it refers to a time in the past relative to the present moment. For example, "one hour ago" means one hour before now.
Big-box store with a Småland play area : IKEA
The big-box store with a Småland play area is IKEA because IKEA is a well-known furniture store that offers a supervised play area for children called Småland.
Box score statistic : ERRORS
The term "ERRORS" in a box score statistic refers to mistakes made by players that result in the opponent gaining an advantage.
Bridle part : REIN
A rein is a long, narrow strap attached to a bridle, used to guide or check a horse while riding. Therefore, "Bridle part" is a fitting clue for the answer "REIN".
Bridle part : REIN
The bridle part that controls the horse's direction and speed is called a rein.
Button on a scale : TARE
"TARE" is the correct answer because it is a button on a scale used to reset the scale to zero before weighing an item.
Centers of interest : FOCI
The word "foci" is the plural form of the word "focus." In this context, "centers of interest" are things that are focused on or the main points of interest, making "foci" the correct answer.
Clog : JAM UP
The term "clog" can be used to mean something blocking or obstructing a passage. "Jam up" is a common phrase that means to block or obstruct, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Clog."
Clumsy fellow : OAF
"OAF" is the right solution because an oaf is a term used to describe a clumsy or awkward person.
Cook fast, as steak : SEAR
"Sear" is the right solution because it means to cook the surface of food quickly at a high temperature to seal in the juices. This method is often used for cooking steak quickly while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Covert maritime org. : ONI
"ONI" is the abbreviation for the Office of Naval Intelligence, which is a covert maritime organization within the United States Navy.
Deadline set by a printer : PRESS TIME
The answer "PRESS TIME" refers to the deadline set by a printer because it is the time by which the printing press needs to start printing in order to meet the publication deadline.
Deserted rest area? : OASIS
The clue "Deserted rest area?" is a play on words. In this case, "Deserted" suggests an empty or abandoned place, while "rest area" hints at a place where one can rest. An oasis is a fertile spot in a desert where water is found, making it a perfect fit for the clue.
Doldrums : FUNK
The word "FUNK" is a synonym for "Doldrums," which means a state of inactivity or low spirits.
Feathery accessories : BOAS
The answer "BOAS" fits the clue "Feathery accessories" because boas are long, decorative scarves made of feathers often worn around the neck as an accessory.
Fiddler accompanist in bluegrass, often : BANJO PLAYER
The answer "BANJO PLAYER" fits because a banjo is a common instrument in bluegrass music and is often used to accompany a fiddler.
Figure skater Sonja : HENIE
Henie is a famous figure skater, Sonja Henie, who won three Olympic gold medals in the 1920s and 1930s. The clue "Figure skater Sonja" is a direct reference to her, making "HENIE" the correct answer.
Figure skater Sonja : HENIE
"HENIE" is the right solution because Sonja Henie was a famous Norwegian figure skater who won three Olympic gold medals in the 1920s and 1930s.
Formally withdraw : SECEDE
"SECEDE" means to formally withdraw from a group or organization, making it the right answer for the clue "Formally withdraw."
French pal : AMI
The French word for friend is "ami," which is a common crossword clue for a French pal.
Grain amount : SHEAF
The word "sheaf" refers to a bundle of grain tied together after being harvested. So, "Grain amount" is a clue hinting at the word "sheaf" as the right answer.
Guarded : LEERY
The word "wary" means to be cautious or careful, which can be synonymous with being guarded. Therefore, "wary" is the right solution for the clue "guarded."
Guarded : LEERY
The word "leery" means cautious or wary, which is synonymous with being guarded.
Indie genre with mainstream appeal : ALT-POP
"ALT-POP" is the right solution because it refers to alternative pop music, which combines elements of indie music with mainstream appeal, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Jazz horn : SAX
The answer "SAX" is short for saxophone, which is a common type of horn used in jazz music.
Kits, eventually : FOXES
The word "FOXES" is the plural form of "fox" and "kits" are baby foxes, so "Kits, eventually" refers to foxes as they grow older.
Lashes site : EYELID
The answer "EYELID" fits the clue "Lashes site" because the eyelid is the area where eyelashes are located, making it the correct answer.
Like Latvia and Lithuania : BALTIC
"BALTIC" is the right solution because Latvia and Lithuania are both countries located in the Baltic region of Northern Europe.
Lit __ : CRIT
The answer "CRIT" fits the clue "Lit __" because when combined, it forms the word "CRIT" which means a critical review or evaluation.
Magazine piece? : ISSUE
The word "issue" can mean both a publication like a magazine and a matter or problem. So, "Magazine piece?" is a play on words, suggesting the answer "ISSUE" which fits both meanings.
Many ICU professionals : RNS
"RNS" stands for Registered Nurses, who are professionals commonly found in ICUs.
Many “Grey’s Anatomy” pros : DRS
The answer "DRS" stands for "doctors," which are professionals commonly featured in the TV show "Grey's Anatomy."
Middle East sultanate : OMAN
"OMAN" is the right solution because it is a sultanate located in the Middle East. It is a country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
Middle East sultanate : OMAN
"OMAN" is the right answer because Oman is a sultanate located in the Middle East. A sultanate is a country ruled by a sultan, and Oman is one of the countries in the Middle East with this form of government.
More like a snoop : NOSIER
"NOSIER" is the right solution because it is a comparative form of the word "nosy," meaning showing too much curiosity about other people's affairs. The clue "More like a snoop" suggests that the answer should be a word that means being even more curious or intrusive than usual, making "NOSIER" a fitting answer.
Multipurpose utensil : SPORK
"SPORK" is the right solution because it is a combination of a spoon and a fork, making it a multipurpose utensil that can be used for both eating liquid and solid foods.
NOLA sandwich : PO’BOY
The term "PO'BOY" is a common sandwich in New Orleans, often filled with fried seafood or roast beef. It is a popular dish in the city, hence the clue "NOLA sandwich" points to "PO'BOY" as the correct answer.
Noted host of a couples’ getaway? : NOAH
The answer "NOAH" fits the clue because Noah is a noted host who famously welcomed couples onto his ark during the biblical flood story.
One who’s bound to get away? : ESCAPE ARTIST
The answer "ESCAPE ARTIST" fits because an escape artist is someone skilled at getting away, often from restraints or confinement.
Out there : AFAR
"Out there" is a phrase that typically means a long distance away. The word "afar" specifically means at a great distance away, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Pained cry : YOWL
The answer "YEOW!" is the right solution because it is a common exclamation used to express sudden pain or discomfort.
Pained cry : YOWL
The word "YOWL" is a pained cry often made by animals like cats or dogs. It fits the clue perfectly.
Part of a suicide squeeze : BUNT
This is the right solution because in a suicide squeeze play in baseball, the batter bunts the ball in an attempt to allow a runner on third base to score while sacrificing themselves by likely getting out at first base.
PC shortcut employed when creating a draft : CTRL+S
This is the right solution because pressing CTRL+S on a PC is a common shortcut to save a document or file, which is important when creating a draft to ensure that your work is saved.
Played out : OLD
"Played out" is a phrase that means something is no longer fresh or new. "OLD" is a word that means something has been around for a long time and is no longer new, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Played out : OLD
The answer "OLD" fits the clue "Played out" because it suggests something that is no longer fresh or new, indicating that it has been used or experienced for a long time.
Played out : OLD
"Played out" is a phrase that means something has become boring or unoriginal due to overuse or repetition. The word "STALE" also means something that has lost its freshness or appeal due to being old or overused, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Played out : OLD
In this context, "played out" means something that is no longer new or exciting, but rather old and tired. Therefore, the answer "OLD" fits the clue.
Pod in Creole cuisine : OKRA
OKRA is a pod commonly used in Creole cuisine, making it the correct answer to the clue. It is a staple ingredient in dishes like gumbo and adds a unique flavor and texture to the cuisine.
Poker figure : DEALER
The "Poker figure" refers to the person who distributes the cards and manages the game, which is the dealer.
Precedent-setting trials : TEST CASES
"Test cases" are trials that are used to establish a legal precedent or principle for similar cases in the future.
Puts an end to : CEASES
"Ceases" is the right solution because it means to put an end to something, to stop or discontinue.
Red Muppet with a goldfish : ELMO
Elmo is a red Muppet character from Sesame Street who is often seen holding a goldfish named Dorothy. This makes "ELMO" the correct answer to the clue "Red Muppet with a goldfish."
Seasonal vaccine target : FLU
The answer "FLU" is correct because the seasonal vaccine targets the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu.
Seasonal vaccine target : FLU
The answer "FLU" is the right solution because the seasonal vaccine targets the influenza virus, commonly known as the flu.
Simu who plays Shang-Chi : LIU
The answer "LIU" fits the clue because Simu Liu is the actor who plays the character Shang-Chi in the Marvel movie "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings."
Singled out : CHOSEN
The word "chosen" means to be singled out or selected from a group, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Singled out."
Smack-__ : DAB
The answer "DAB" fits the clue "Smack-__" because "DAB" is a common term for a small amount or a quick application of something, such as a dab of paint or a dab of perfume.
Small pellets : BBS
The answer "BBS" stands for "ball bearings," which are small pellets commonly used in air guns and BB guns.
Sodium hypochlorite : BLEACH
The answer "BLEACH" is derived from the chemical compound "sodium hypochlorite," which is commonly used in household cleaning products for its bleaching and disinfectant properties.
Some Minecraft blocks : ORES
The answer "ORES" is the right solution because in the game Minecraft, players can mine different types of blocks to collect valuable resources called ores. These ores are used for crafting and other purposes in the game.
Some Minecraft blocks : ORES
The answer "ORES" fits the clue because in Minecraft, ores are blocks that can be mined to extract valuable resources like coal, iron, gold, and diamonds.
Some tennis shots : LOBS
"Lobs" are tennis shots that are hit high and deep, typically used to send the ball over an opponent at the net.
Spotting game : I SPY
The answer "I SPY" is the right solution because "spotting game" is a reference to the classic children's game where one player gives clues about an object they can see, and the other player tries to guess what it is.
Start and end of the Musketeers’ motto : ALL
The start of the Musketeers' motto is "All for one," and the end is "one for all." Therefore, "ALL" represents both the start and end of the motto.
Taxonomic classification broader than kingdom : DOMAIN
DOMAIN is the right answer because in biological classification, DOMAIN is a taxonomic rank that is broader than kingdom and groups organisms based on shared characteristics.
Top-level performance : A-GAME
The term "A-game" is commonly used to refer to someone's highest level of performance or best effort. In this context, "top-level performance" is synonymous with giving your A-game.
Top-level performance : A-GAME
"A-GAME" is a common phrase used to describe someone's top-level performance or best effort in a particular activity or situation. It signifies giving your best and performing at a high level.
Two-time Newbery Medal winner DiCamillo : KATE Down 1 Request from a 25-Down
The answer is "KATE" because the clue mentions a two-time Newbery Medal winner, and the only author fitting that description is Kate DiCamillo.
Upgrade from mono : STEREO
"Upgrade from mono" suggests moving from a single audio channel (mono) to two audio channels (stereo), providing a richer and more immersive sound experience. This makes "STEREO" the correct answer.
Vegetarian staple : TOFU
Tofu is a common protein source for vegetarians, making it a staple in their diets.
Woodshop tool : CHISEL
A chisel is a tool commonly used in woodshops to carve and shape wood by cutting small pieces off.
Work boot tip : TOE CAP
The term "work boot tip" refers to the protective covering at the front of a work boot. This protective covering is commonly known as a "toe cap," which helps to protect the toes from injury.
Yarn : TALE
The word "yarn" can be used as a slang term for a story or tale. So, "TALE" is the right solution for this clue.
Yarn : TALE
"Yarn" can be a slang term for a story or a tale. So, "TALE" fits the clue as it is a synonym for a story.
[Chef’s kiss] : [MWAH!]
The answer to "[Chef’s kiss]" is "[MWAH!]" because "MWAH!" is often used to mimic the sound of a chef kissing their fingers when something is delicious or perfectly cooked.
[Chef’s kiss] : [MWAH!]
The term "Chef's kiss" is often used to express perfection or excellence. The answer "[MWAH!]" represents the sound of a kiss, which is a common gesture of approval or appreciation, making it a fitting response to the clue.
“Citizen __” : KANE
The answer to "Citizen __" is "KANE" because "Citizen Kane" is a famous movie directed by Orson Welles.
“Citizen __” : KANE
The answer "KANE" fits the clue "Citizen __" because the full title of the classic movie is "Citizen Kane."
“Citizen __” : KANE
"Citizen Kane" is a famous movie directed by Orson Welles. The title character is Charles Foster Kane, so the answer to the clue "Citizen __" is "KANE."
“Go ahead and choose one,” and what one might say to a 19-, 30-, or 43-? : TAKE YOUR PICK
The answer "TAKE YOUR PICK" fits the clue because it means to choose one from a selection, which is what someone might say when presented with options at 19-, 30-, or 43-.
“I can wait” : NO RUSH
The phrase "NO RUSH" means there is no need to hurry or be in a hurry, which aligns with the idea of being able to wait.
“That’s rough” : TOO BAD
The phrase "That's rough" is another way of saying "Too bad," expressing sympathy or disappointment.
“What did I tell you?” : SEE?
The answer "SEE?" fits the clue "What did I tell you?" because it is a common phrase used to emphasize that one's prediction or advice has been proven correct.
“__ guesses?” : ANY
The phrase "“__ guesses?”" is typically asking if someone has any guesses. The word "ANY" fits perfectly in the blank to complete the question.