Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 30 August 2023, 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.
Ancient : ARCHAIC
The word "ancient" means something that is very old or from a distant past. The word "archaic" also means something that is old-fashioned or no longer in use. Therefore, "archaic" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "ancient."
Arabic for “tower” : BURJ
The word "BURJ" is the Arabic word for "tower". Therefore, it is the correct answer to the clue "Arabic for 'tower'".
Artist whose name is a homophone of a sculpture medium : KLEE
The artist Paul Klee has a last name that sounds like the word "clay," which is a sculpture medium. Therefore, the answer "KLEE" fits the clue.
Available : FREE
The word "free" means not being occupied or taken, which makes it a suitable answer for the clue "Available."
Available : FREE
The answer to "Available" is "OPEN" because something that is open is accessible and ready to be used or taken advantage of.
Blow off steam : VENT
The word "vent" means to release or express strong emotions or frustrations, which aligns with the phrase "blow off steam." Therefore, "vent" is the right answer for the clue.
Budget beef cuts : CHUCK STEAKS
The answer to "Budget beef cuts" is "CHUCK STEAKS" because chuck steaks are known for being affordable cuts of beef. They are often less expensive compared to other cuts, making them a popular choice for those on a budget.
Bumblers : OAFS
The answer "OAFS" is the right solution because "bumblers" refers to people who are clumsy or inept, and "oafs" is a term used to describe such individuals.
Bumblers : OAFS
"OAFS" is a term often used to describe clumsy or awkward individuals, which fits the clue "Bumblers" well. It is a synonym for clumsy people, making it the right answer for the crossword clue.
Burdensome : HEAVY
The word "heavy" is a suitable answer to the clue "burdensome" because it implies something that is difficult to carry or deal with. It is commonly used to describe things that weigh a lot physically or metaphorically, making it an appropriate choice for the given clue.
Cafeteria combat epitomized by the actions in 17-, 36-, and 42-? : FOOD FIGHT
The answer "FOOD FIGHT" is the right solution because it represents a type of combat that typically occurs in a cafeteria.
Celery topped with peanut butter and raisins : ANTS ON A LOG
The answer "ANTS ON A LOG" is the right solution because it perfectly describes the combination of celery topped with peanut butter and raisins. The celery sticks resemble logs, the peanut butter is spread on top to represent the "glue," and the raisins are placed on the peanut butter to resemble ants.
Church nooks : APSES
The answer to "Church nooks" is "APSES" because apses are semicircular or polygonal recesses in a church, typically found at the eastern end.
Circle or square : SHAPE
The answer is "SHAPE" because both a circle and a square are examples of different shapes.
Collectible toy truck brand : HESS
The answer "HESS" is the right solution because HESS is a well-known brand that produces collectible toy trucks.
Condiment often served with egg rolls : DUCK SAUCE
The answer "DUCK SAUCE" is the right solution because it is a commonly served condiment that pairs well with egg rolls.
Cute nickname for a fuzzy pet : FUR BALL
The answer "FUR BALL" is the right solution because it is a cute nickname commonly used for a fuzzy pet. It describes the pet's appearance, as well as evokes a sense of playfulness and affection.
Day of the Dead symbol : SUGAR SKULL
The answer "SUGAR SKULL" is the right solution because it is a symbol commonly associated with the Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday. Sugar skulls are colorful and intricately decorated skulls made from sugar, often used as offerings or decorations during the celebration.
Document from an Amer. embassy : US VISA
The answer "US VISA" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Document from an Amer. embassy." A US VISA is a document issued by an American embassy or consulate that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for a specific purpose, such as tourism or work.
Dog-eared, say : BENT
The answer "BENT" is the right solution because when a page is dog-eared, it becomes folded or creased at the corner, which is a form of bending.
Dune buggies, e.g. : Abbr.
The answer to "Dune buggies, e.g." is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation" and indicates that the answer is an abbreviation or shortened form of the word or phrase "Dune buggies, e.g."
Extremely steep : SHEER
The word "sheer" means extremely steep or almost vertical. It accurately describes something that has a sharp incline or angle, making it the right solution for the clue "extremely steep."
Fix, as a dog : SPAY
The answer "SPAY" is the right solution because it means to surgically remove the reproductive organs of a female dog, thus fixing or sterilizing it.
Get a feeling : SENSE
The answer "SENSE" fits the clue "Get a feeling" because our senses allow us to perceive and experience the world around us, including feelings and emotions.
Get a rise out of : PROVOKE
The answer to "Get a rise out of" is "PROVOKE" because it means to deliberately incite or stimulate a reaction from someone.
Get a rise out of : PROVOKE
"Get a rise out of" is a phrase commonly associated with baking, where ingredients like yeast or baking powder cause the dough to rise. So, "BAKE" is the right answer as it fits the clue and relates to the concept of rising in baking.
Go “vroom vroom” : REV
The answer "REV" is the right solution because "vroom vroom" is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound a car engine makes. "Rev" is short for "revving," which means increasing the revolutions per minute (RPM) of an engine, producing the "vroom vroom" sound.
Go “vroom vroom” : REV
The answer "REV" is the right solution because it is a common onomatopoeia used to describe the sound of an engine revving.
Hermana de la madre : TIA
The answer to "Hermana de la madre" is "TIA" because "TIA" translates to "aunt" in English, and an aunt is the sister of one's mother.
Hideous : UGLY
The word "ugly" is synonymous with "hideous," as both describe something extremely unattractive or unpleasant in appearance.
Inner Hebrides isle : SKYE
The answer is "SKYE" because Skye is a well-known island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.
JFK hotel named for a defunct airline : TWA
The answer is "TWA" because it refers to the defunct airline that had a hotel named after it at JFK airport.
Juicer discard : PULP
The answer to "Juicer discard" is "PULP" because when you use a juicer to extract juice from fruits or vegetables, the leftover solid material is called pulp.
Kings, on NBA scoreboards : SAC
The answer "SAC" is the abbreviation for Sacramento, which is the city where the NBA team called the Kings is based.
Lids offerings : CAPS
The answer to "Lids offerings" is "CAPS" because "lids" is a slang term for hats, and "caps" is a common type of hat.
Like bald tires : WORN
The answer "WORN" is the right solution because bald tires are tires that have lost their tread, making them smooth and worn out.
Loops in discreetly : BCCS
The answer "BCCS" is the right solution because it represents the acronym for "Blind Carbon Copy" recipients in email, which are added discreetly to the email thread.
Market share? : STOCK
The term "market share" refers to the portion or percentage of a market that a company or product controls. In this context, "stock" can be interpreted as a term for ownership or shares in a company. Therefore, "stock" is a fitting answer as it represents the ownership or portion of a market that a company holds.
Mexican Mrs. : SRA
The answer "SRA" stands for "Señora" in Spanish, which translates to "Mrs." in English. It is commonly used as a title of respect for a married woman in Mexico.
Mexican Mrs. : SRA
"SRA" is the abbreviation for "Señora" in Spanish, which translates to "Mrs." in English. It is a common way to address a married woman in Mexican culture.
Milanese moped : VESPA
The answer to "Milanese moped" is "VESPA" because VESPA is a well-known brand of Italian mopeds that originated in Milan.
National Pickleball mo. : APR
The answer is "APR" because "mo." is an abbreviation for month, and "National Pickleball" suggests that we are looking for a specific month. In this case, "APR" stands for April, which is the National Pickleball month.
News letters : UPI
The answer to "News letters" being "UPI" is because UPI stands for United Press International, which is a well-known news agency that distributes news articles and updates to various media outlets.
NPR host Glass : IRA
The answer to "NPR host Glass" is "IRA" because Ira Glass is a well-known radio personality and the host of the popular NPR show "This American Life."
NPR host Glass : IRA
The answer "IRA" is correct because Ira Glass is a well-known host on NPR, the National Public Radio.
Pad see ew cuisine : THAI
The answer is "THAI" because "Pad see ew" is a popular dish in Thai cuisine.
Pad see ew cuisine : THAI
The answer "THAI" is correct because Pad see ew is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that originates from Thailand.
Pastry in a pink box, in Los Angeles : DONUT
The answer to "Pastry in a pink box, in Los Angeles" is "DONUT" because donuts are commonly sold in pink boxes in Los Angeles.
Performance platform : STAGE
The answer to "Performance platform" is "STAGE" because a stage is where performers showcase their talents during a live performance.
Port of call : CRUISE STOP
The answer "CRUISE STOP" is the right solution for the clue "Port of call" because on a cruise, ships make stops at different ports along their route, allowing passengers to explore and visit different destinations. Therefore, a "CRUISE STOP" refers to one of these ports of call.
Proterozoic or Hadean : EON
The answer is "EON" because Proterozoic and Hadean are both geological eons.
Queen Latifah’s genre : RAP
The answer is "RAP" because Queen Latifah is a well-known rapper, making "RAP" the genre associated with her.
Raison d’__ : ETRE
The answer "ETRE" is the right solution for the clue "Raison d’__" because "ETRE" is the French verb meaning "to be." In the phrase "Raison d’être," it translates to "reason to be" in English.
Raison d’__ : ETRE
"Raison d'être" is a French phrase that translates to "reason for being" in English. The French word for "to be" is "être," so "Raison d'__" would be completed with "ETRE." "Crossword construction" is an example of a "puzzle," so the answer to "1 Crossword construction, e.g." would be "ETRE" as well.
Rangers goalie Shesterkin : IGOR
The answer is "IGOR" because it is the first name of the Rangers goalie Shesterkin.
Reach new heights? : LEVEL UP
The phrase "reach new heights" implies progressing or advancing to a higher level. "Level up" is a gaming term that means advancing to the next level or achieving a higher status, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Room for movie night : DEN
The answer "DEN" is the right solution because a den is a small room in a house where people can relax and watch movies. It is commonly used as a space for leisure activities, including movie nights.
Rough calculation, briefly : EST
The answer "EST" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for "estimate," which means a rough calculation.
Save for later, in a way : PRESERVE
The answer "PRESERVE" is the right solution because it means to save something for later by keeping it in its original state or condition.
Semimonthly tide : NEAP
The answer to "Semimonthly tide" is "NEAP" because neap tides occur twice a month, during the first and third quarters of the moon. They are characterized by minimal tidal range.
Semimonthly tide : NEAP
The term "neap" refers to a period of moderate tides that occur twice a month, around the first and third quarters of the moon. This makes "NEAP" the correct answer for "Semimonthly tide."
Ski equipment : POLES
The answer to "Ski equipment" is "POLES" because poles are essential equipment used by skiers to maintain balance, propel themselves, and navigate while skiing.
State with Blue Jackets : OHIO
The answer to "State with Blue Jackets" is "OHIO" because the Blue Jackets is the name of the professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio.
Sushi roll ingredient : RICE
The answer to "Sushi roll ingredient" is "RICE" because rice is a key component in making sushi rolls. It is used as the base and provides the necessary texture and stickiness to hold the roll together.
Tined utensil : FORK
The answer to "Tined utensil" is "FORK" because a fork is a utensil with multiple prongs or tines that is used for picking up and eating food.
Toy with an Eiffel Tower trick : YO-YO
The toy referred to in the clue is a "Yo-Yo," which is known for its tricks. The Eiffel Tower trick is a popular maneuver performed with a Yo-Yo, making "YO-YO" the correct answer.
Triage ctrs. : ERS
The answer to "Triage ctrs." is "ERS" because "ERS" is an abbreviation for Emergency Rooms, which are often the centers where triage is conducted in hospitals.
Triage ctrs. : ERS
The answer "ERS" is short for Emergency Rooms, which are often referred to as triage centers in hospitals where patients are prioritized based on the urgency of their medical needs.
Triage ctrs. : ERS
The abbreviation "ERS" stands for Emergency Rooms, which are often referred to as triage centers where patients are assessed and treated based on the urgency of their medical needs.
Vegetables that rank high on the Scoville scale : FIRE PEPPERS
Waste time : IDLE
The phrase "fool around" means to engage in aimless or unproductive activities, which perfectly matches the clue "waste time."
Waste time : IDLE
The word "IDLE" means to waste time or be unproductive. It is a suitable answer to the clue "Waste time" because when someone is idle, they are not engaging in any useful or productive activity.
Website with customizable RSVP options : EVITE
The answer to "Website with customizable RSVP options" is "EVITE" because Evite is a popular online platform that allows users to create and send digital invitations for events. It offers customizable RSVP options, making it the appropriate solution for this clue.
Wheels away? : CAR RENTALS
The clue "Wheels away?" is a play on words. "Wheels" refers to cars, and "away" suggests something that involves removing or taking them. "CAR RENTALS" fits perfectly as it involves taking cars away temporarily by renting them.
Wild cards? : JOKERS
The term "wild cards" is often used to refer to unpredictable or unconventional elements. Jokers in a deck of cards are considered wild cards because they can be used to represent any other card. Therefore, "JOKERS" is the right answer for "Wild cards?" in this crossword clue.
WNBA official : REF
The answer "REF" is short for referee, which is an official in the WNBA responsible for enforcing the rules of the game.
WNBA official : REF
The answer "REFEREE" fits because in the WNBA, like in other sports, a referee is the official responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and making decisions on plays and fouls.
Works for : EARNS
The answer "EARNS" fits the clue "Works for" because it means to receive money in exchange for labor or services.
“Back to the Future” bully : BIFF
The answer is "BIFF" because Biff is the name of the bully character in the movie "Back to the Future".
“Drop it!” : LET GO!
The answer "LET GO!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to command someone to release or drop something they are holding.
“Gimme a break” : PUH-LEEZE
The phrase "Gimme a break" is a colloquial way of asking for some relief or a pause. "PUH-LEEZE" is a playful and exaggerated spelling of "please," often used to express sarcasm or annoyance. It fits perfectly with the casual and slightly exasperated tone of the clue.
“Gimme a break” : PUH-LEEZE
The answer "YEESH!" is a slang expression used to show exasperation or annoyance, similar to saying "Gimme a break!" in a casual or informal way.
“Nope” : UH-UH
The answer "UH-UH" is the right solution because it is a common informal way of saying "nope."
“Nope” : UH-UH
The answer to "Nope" is "NAH" because "NAH" is a casual and informal way of saying "no."
“Nope” : UH-UH
“Skip me” : I PASS
The answer "I PASS" is the right solution to the clue "Skip me" because it is a phrase commonly used to indicate that someone wants to skip their turn or decline participation in something.
“The Raven” poet : POE
The answer to "The Raven" poet is "POE" because Edgar Allan Poe is the poet who wrote the famous poem "The Raven."
“The Raven” poet : POE
Edgar Allan Poe is the author of the famous poem "The Raven," making "POE" the correct answer.
“Voyage to India” singer India.__ : ARIE Down 1 Figures, casually
The answer to "Voyage to India" singer India.__ is "ARIE" because India.ARIE is a Grammy-winning singer known for her album "Voyage to India."
“Yo,” in Rio : OLA
The answer to "Yo," in Rio is "OLA" because "OLA" is a common Portuguese greeting that translates to "hello" or "hi" in English. In Rio de Janeiro, which is in Brazil, Portuguese is the official language, so "OLA" is the appropriate answer.