Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 20 September 2023, Wednesday. Find all answers and solutions here.
We've also tries to explain why the answer is the correct solution for each clue.
We're not affiliated with LA Times in any way.
Clues and answers
Clues followed by answers and an explanation underneath.
2002 Winter Games host, initially : SLC
The answer "SLC" stands for Salt Lake City, which was the host city of the 2002 Winter Games.
Absolutely not : HARD PASS
The phrase "Hard pass" is commonly used to express a strong refusal or rejection. It conveys a clear and definitive "absolutely not" response, making it the right solution for the clue.
Afghanistan’s capital : KABUL
The answer to "Afghanistan's capital" is "KABUL" because Kabul is the actual capital city of Afghanistan.
Alpaca product : WOOL
The right solution for "Alpaca product" is "WOOL" because alpacas are known for their soft and luxurious wool, which is used to make various products like clothing and blankets.
Bat mitzvah, e.g. : RITE
The answer "RITE" is the right solution because a bat mitzvah is a religious ceremony in Judaism, which is considered a rite of passage for a Jewish girl.
BYOB part : OWN
The answer "OWN" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for "bring your own" which is commonly used in social gatherings where guests are expected to bring their own drinks.
Canal with a museum in Syracuse : ERIE
The answer to "Canal with a museum in Syracuse" is "ERIE" because the Erie Canal runs through Syracuse and there is a museum dedicated to the canal in the city.
Caterer’s coffee container : URN
The answer "URN" is the right solution because caterers often use large coffee containers called urns to serve coffee at events or gatherings.
Connect (with) : LIAISE
The word "liaise" means to establish a connection or communicate with someone. It fits perfectly with the clue "Connect (with)" as it implies forming a link or contact with another person or entity.
Corn unit : EAR
The answer to "Corn unit" is "EAR" because an ear of corn refers to a single cylindrical structure that contains the kernels.
Corn unit : EAR
The term "ear" is commonly used to refer to a single unit of corn, which grows on a corn stalk.
Czech Republic region : BOHEMIA
The Czech Republic is divided into regions, and one of them is called Bohemia. Therefore, "Bohemia" is the right answer for the crossword clue "Czech Republic region."
Dangerous pool in a video game : LAVA PIT
The answer "LAVA PIT" is the right solution because it accurately describes a dangerous pool in a video game. Lava pits are often depicted as hazardous areas filled with molten lava, posing a threat to the player's character.
Deutschland city on the Rhein : KOLN
The answer "KOLN" is the right solution because it is the German name for the city of Cologne, which is located on the Rhein River in Germany.
Do House work? : GOVERN
The answer "GOVERN" is the right solution to the clue "Do House work?" because "GOVERN" can mean to control or manage, and the "House" in this context refers to the House of Representatives or the legislative body. Therefore, "Do House work?" is a playful way of suggesting that the answer is "GOVERN" as it relates to the work of governing in the House.
Donkeys : ASSES
The word "ASSES" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "donkeys".
Don’t think so : YEAH, NO
The phrase "Yeah, no" is commonly used to express disagreement or doubt, which fits the clue "Don't think so."
Don’t think so : YEAH, NO
The answer "NAH" is a casual way of saying "Don't think so," making it a fitting response to the clue.
Don’t think so : YEAH, NO
"NOPE" is a casual way of saying "no," making it a fitting response to "Don't think so." It is a common colloquial term used in everyday conversation.
Eager : KEEN
The word "keen" means to be enthusiastic or eager about something. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "eager".
Eager : KEEN
The word "agog" means to be eager or excited. It is a suitable answer for the clue "Eager" because it conveys the desired meaning in a concise and accurate manner.
Eager : KEEN
The word "agog" means eager or excited, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Eager."
Faculty positions : DEANS
The answer to "Faculty positions" is "DEANS" because deans are administrative positions in universities or colleges that oversee specific faculties or departments. They are responsible for managing academic programs and faculty members.
First track on Fleetwood Mac’s “Mystery to Me” album : EMERALD EYES
The answer "EMERALD EYES" is the right solution because it is the title of the first track on Fleetwood Mac's "Mystery to Me" album.
Get Who Gets You dating site : EHARMONY
The answer "EHARMONY" is the right solution because it is a well-known dating site called "eHarmony" that helps people find compatible matches.
Gymnast Korbut : OLGA
The answer to "Gymnast Korbut" is "OLGA" because Olga Korbut is a famous gymnast known for her performances in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics.
Gymnast Korbut : OLGA
Olga Korbut is a former Soviet gymnast, known for her success in the 1972 and 1976 Olympics. "OLGA" is a common crossword answer for clues related to gymnastics and specifically Olga Korbut.
Hardly fresh : SMELLY
The answer "SMELLY" fits the clue "Hardly fresh" because it suggests something that has an unpleasant odor or is not clean.
Hardly fresh : SMELLY
"Hardly fresh" is a clue indicating that the answer is the opposite of fresh, which is old. Therefore, the answer to "Hardly fresh" is "OLD."
Have buyer’s remorse, say : RUE
The answer "RUE" is the right solution because it means to feel regret or remorse for something, which aligns with the clue "Have buyer's remorse, say."
Here’s the one-sentence version letters : TL;DR
The answer "TL;DR" stands for "Too Long; Didn't Read." It is commonly used to summarize a lengthy piece of text or story in a concise manner. In this crossword clue, "Here's the one-sentence version letters," the clue is hinting at the abbreviation "TL;DR" as a way to provide a brief summary or synopsis of a longer piece of information.
High-level HS courses : APS
The answer "APS" stands for Advanced Placement courses, which are high-level courses offered in high schools.
Honeydew, e.g. : MELON
The answer to "Honeydew, e.g." is "MELON" because honeydew is a type of melon.
House of __ : LORDS
The answer "LORDS" fits the clue "House of __" because the House of Lords is the upper chamber of the British Parliament.
IN place? : AMERICA
The answer to "IN place?" is "AMERICA" because the word "IN" is placed inside the word "AMERICA".
Injury sustained while making guacamole : AVOCADO HAND
The term "avocado hand" refers to a common injury that occurs when someone accidentally cuts their hand while trying to remove the pit from an avocado. This answer fits the clue because it directly relates to the act of making guacamole and the potential injury associated with it.
Instrument with pipes : ORGAN
The answer "ORGAN" is the right solution because an organ is a musical instrument that produces sound by means of pipes.
John Fetterman’s title, briefly : SEN
The answer "SEN" stands for "Senator," which is John Fetterman's title.
Knitting pattern : ARGYLE
The answer "ARGYLE" is the right solution because it is a type of knitting pattern characterized by diamond-shaped patterns in different colors.
Knock on the head : BOP
The word "bop" is a colloquial term that means to hit or strike someone on the head. Therefore, it is the right solution for the clue "Knock on the head."
Knocks on the head : BONKS
The answer "BONKS" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "knocks on the head." Both words convey the action of hitting or striking someone or something on the head.
Makes urgent decisions? : TRIAGES
The answer "TRIAGES" is the right solution because it refers to the process of prioritizing and sorting patients based on the urgency of their medical needs. This involves making quick decisions to determine the order in which patients should receive treatment.
Marvel Comics supervillain, or a creature made up of 16-, 29-, 34-, and 40-? : GREEN GOBLIN
The answer is "GREEN GOBLIN" because it is a Marvel Comics supervillain who is known for his green appearance. Additionally, the clue mentions a creature made up of specific numbered entries in the crossword, and "GREEN GOBLIN" fits those entries.
MMA decision : TKO
The answer to "MMA decision" is "TKO" because TKO stands for "Technical Knockout," which is a common result in mixed martial arts when a fighter is unable to continue due to injury or being unable to defend themselves.
More icky : GROSSER
The word "icky" means unpleasant or disgusting. To describe something as "more icky," we need a comparative form. "GROSSER" is the comparative form of the adjective "gross," which means disgusting. Therefore, "GROSSER" is the right answer as it means "more icky" in a comparative sense.
Mouth, Chunk, or Data, in a 1985 film : GOONIE
The answer is "Goonie" because Mouth, Chunk, and Data are all characters from the 1985 film "The Goonies".
NFL arbiter : REF
The answer to "NFL arbiter" is "REF" because "REF" is a commonly used abbreviation for referee, who is the official in charge of enforcing the rules in NFL games.
Nintendo antagonist with a “W” on his cap : WARIO
"WARIO" is the right solution because Wario is a Nintendo antagonist character who is known for wearing a cap with a prominent "W" on it.
Nitwit : PEA BRAIN
The word "dolt" is often used to describe a stupid or foolish person, which is synonymous with the term "nitwit". Therefore, "dolt" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Nitwit".
Nitwit : PEA BRAIN
The term "nitwit" is a colloquial way of referring to someone who is foolish or lacking intelligence. "Pea brain" is a playful and slightly derogatory term that means someone has a small or limited brain capacity. Therefore, "pea brain" is an appropriate and fitting answer for the crossword clue "nitwit."
One in a concert lineup : AMP
The answer "AMP" is the right solution because in a concert lineup, an "amp" refers to an amplifier, which is an electronic device used to increase the volume of musical instruments or microphones.
One more song! : ENCORE!
The answer "ENCORE!" is the right solution because in the context of a performance, an encore is an additional song or performance that is requested by the audience after the main performance has ended. It is a common phrase used to indicate that one more song is desired.
Perfect is the __ of the good : ENEMY
The phrase "Perfect is the enemy of the good" means that striving for perfection can prevent us from achieving something that is already good enough. In this context, "enemy" represents how the pursuit of perfection can be detrimental to progress or success.
Person aggressively opposed to progress : MOSSBACK
The term "mossback" is often used to describe a person who is strongly resistant to change or new ideas, making them aggressively opposed to progress. This makes "mossback" a fitting answer for the clue.
Pico de gallo pepper : SERRANO
The answer to "Pico de gallo pepper" is "SERRANO" because Serrano peppers are commonly used in pico de gallo, a type of salsa.
Poaching targets : EGGS
The answer "EGGS" is the right solution because "Poaching" can refer to the cooking method of gently cooking eggs in simmering water. Therefore, "EGGS" are the targets of poaching in this context.
Pretzel shapes : KNOTS
The answer "KNOTS" is the right solution because pretzels are commonly twisted into knot-like shapes.
Radio switch letters : AM/FM
The answer "AM/FM" is the right solution because it refers to the two most common radio frequency bands - AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation).
Research site : LAB
The answer "LAB" is short for laboratory, which is a common research site where scientific experiments and investigations are conducted.
Rumor __ it … : HAS
The phrase "Rumor __ it ..." is a common idiom meaning "according to what people are saying." The word "HAS" is the correct answer because it completes the phrase and makes grammatical sense.
Significant period : ERA
The word "era" refers to a significant period of time in history. It is commonly used to describe a distinct and noteworthy period that has had a lasting impact.
Social science subj. : PSY
The answer "PSY" is the right solution because it is an abbreviation for psychology, which is a social science subject.
Social science subj. : PSY
The answer "PSY" is short for psychology, which is a social science subject.
Some Best Buy buys, briefly : LED TVS
The answer "LED TVs" is the right solution because Best Buy is known for selling electronic devices, including televisions. LED TVs refer to televisions that use LED (light-emitting diode) technology for better picture quality and energy efficiency. Therefore, "Some Best Buy buys, briefly" refers to LED TVs that can be purchased at Best Buy.
Steamed bun in Asian cuisine : BAO
The answer "BAO" is the right solution because it is a type of steamed bun commonly found in Asian cuisine. It is a popular dish that originated in China and has since spread to various other Asian countries.
Steamed bun in Asian cuisine : BAO
"Bao" is the right answer because it is a type of steamed bun commonly found in Asian cuisine, particularly in Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. It is a popular street food and can be filled with various ingredients such as pork, chicken, or vegetables.
Sunblock letters : SPF
The answer to "Sunblock letters" is "SPF" because SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Throb : ACHE
The word "throb" is often associated with a continuous, pulsating pain or sensation. The word "ache" fits this description perfectly, as it refers to a dull, persistent pain. Therefore, "ache" is the right solution for the crossword clue "throb."
Turned red? : DYED Down 1 Discarded Apples, e.g.
The answer to "Turned red?" is "DYED" because when something is dyed, it is often changed or transformed into a different color, which can include turning red.
Urban haze : SMOG
The answer to "Urban haze" is "SMOG" because smog refers to the air pollution caused by a mixture of smoke and fog in urban areas.
Vacillates : SEESAWS
The answer "SEESAWS" is the right solution for the clue "Vacillates" because a seesaw is a playground equipment that moves back and forth, symbolizing the act of vacillating between two options or decisions.
Vegetable plot : BED
The answer "BED" is the right solution because a vegetable plot is commonly referred to as a "bed" in gardening terms.
Violets or lilacs : FLOWERS
The clue "Violets or lilacs" is asking for a word that represents both violets and lilacs. The word that fits this description is "FLOWERS" because both violets and lilacs are types of flowers.
What __ is new? : ELSE
The phrase "What __ is new?" is a common expression used to ask about any additional or different information. The word "else" fits perfectly in this context as it means "in addition to what has already been mentioned." So, "else" is the right solution because it completes the question by suggesting that there might be something more to know or share.
What __ is new? : ELSE
The phrase "What else is new?" is a common expression used to sarcastically imply that nothing has changed or that the situation is as expected. In this context, "ELSE" is the correct answer because it completes the phrase and fits the question being asked.
What __ is new? : ELSE
The phrase "What else is new?" is a common expression used to sarcastically imply that the situation being discussed is not surprising or out of the ordinary. In this context, "else" is used to suggest that there is nothing different or unexpected happening.
Wood-burning stove buildup : ASH
The answer is "ASH" because when wood is burned in a stove, it leaves behind a residue called ash.
Word on the California state seal : EUREKA
The word "EUREKA" is the right solution because it is the official state motto of California, which is depicted on the state seal.
Worked for : EARNED
The answer "EARNED" is the right solution because it means to receive payment or compensation for work performed.
Worn out : RAGGED
The word "ragged" is the right solution for the clue "worn out" because it means torn, frayed, or in a state of disrepair, which perfectly describes something that is worn out.
__ constrictor : BOA
The answer to "__ constrictor" is "BOA" because a boa constrictor is a type of snake known for its ability to constrict and suffocate its prey.
__ Tomé and Príncipe : SAO
The answer to "__ Tomé and Príncipe" is "SAO" because "São Tomé and Príncipe" is the full name of a country located in Africa. The abbreviation "SAO" represents the first three letters of the country's name.