Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 30 September 2024, Monday. 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.
15, for a quinceañera : AGE
The answer "AGE" fits the clue because 15 is the age at which a quinceañera is celebrated, making "AGE" the appropriate answer.
Actress Durance : ERICA
The answer "ERICA" is correct because the actress Durance referred to in the clue is Erica Durance, a Canadian actress known for her role as Lois Lane in the television series "Smallville."
Ancestry test material : DNA
The answer "DNA" fits the clue "Ancestry test material" because DNA is the genetic material that carries information about a person's ancestry and can be used in ancestry testing to trace one's heritage.
Backyard hideout : TREE HOUSE
The answer "TREE HOUSE" fits the clue "Backyard hideout" because a tree house is a small structure built in a tree, often in a backyard, where kids can play and hide out.
Bean in refried beans : PINTO
Pinto beans are commonly used in refried beans, making "PINTO" the correct answer.
Beige kin : TAN
"TAN" is the right solution because beige is a shade of light brown, and tan is a synonym for light brown.
Big : LARGE
The word "big" is a synonym for "large," making "LARGE" the correct answer.
Brightly colored : NEON
"NEON" is the right answer because neon colors are known for being very bright and vibrant, making them a fitting choice for the clue "Brightly colored."
CFO’s degree : MBA
The answer "MBA" is the right solution because a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) often holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, which provides the necessary knowledge and skills for financial leadership roles.
Co. such as Verizon Fios : ISP
The answer "ISP" stands for Internet Service Provider, which is the type of company Verizon Fios is. Verizon Fios provides internet services to customers, making it an ISP.
Coiled garden tool : HOSE
The answer "HOSE" fits the clue "Coiled garden tool" because a hose is a flexible tube that is often coiled up when not in use and is commonly used in gardens for watering plants.
Cold-sounding commercial prefix : SNO-
The prefix "SNO-" sounds like "snow," which is associated with cold temperatures.
Digging tools : SPADES
"Spades" are digging tools commonly used in gardening and construction to dig up soil or cut through roots.
Done : OVER
The word "ended" is a synonym for "done." It means to bring something to a conclusion or to finish it. Therefore, "ended" is the right solution for the clue "done."
Done : OVER
"Done" can be synonymous with "over" when referring to completing a task or reaching a conclusion. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to have multiple meanings, and in this case, "over" fits the context of being finished or completed.
Done : OVER
"Done" can be a synonym for "over" in the sense of completed or finished.
Drag with effort : LUG
"LUG" is the right solution because it means to drag something heavy or awkward with effort.
Drive up a wall : ANNOY
"Drive up a wall" is a common expression meaning to irritate or frustrate someone. The word "ANNOY" fits this clue perfectly as it means to cause slight anger or irritation.
Energetic songs, in slang : BANGERS
The term "bangers" is slang for energetic songs, making it the right solution for the clue.
Energy unit : ERG
"ERG" is the right solution because it is a unit of energy in the CGS system, named after the German physicist Rudolf Clausius.
Evergreen that grows well in coastal soil : SAND PINE
The answer "SAND PINE" fits the clue because it is a type of evergreen tree that thrives in sandy coastal soil conditions.
French friend : AMIE
"French" is a clue word indicating that the answer is in French. "Friend" is the definition of the answer. "Ami" is the French word for "friend". Therefore, "AMI" is the right solution.
French friend : AMIE
"French friend" is a clue that indicates we are looking for a word in French that means friend. In French, the word for friend is "ami," so that is the correct answer.
French friend : AMIE
"Amie" is the French word for "friend," making it the correct answer to the clue "French friend."
Gave approval to : OK’ED
The answer "OK’ED" is the right solution because it is a common informal term meaning to give approval to something. It is a shortened form of the word "okayed" which means to approve or agree to something.
GPS approx. affected by traffic : ETA
"ETA" stands for Estimated Time of Arrival, which is the approximate time a GPS navigation system calculates for reaching a destination taking into account factors like traffic conditions.
Great Barrier Reef locale : CORAL SEA
The Great Barrier Reef is located in the Coral Sea.
Heavy hammers : SLEDGES
The answer "SLEDGES" fits because a sledgehammer is a type of heavy hammer commonly used in construction and demolition work.
Heavy hammers : SLEDGES
"Mauls" are heavy hammers with a large, flat striking surface on one side, making them suitable for driving wedges or splitting wood. This fits the clue "Heavy hammers" perfectly.
In the lead : ON TOP
The answer "ON TOP" is the right solution because it means being in a position of advantage or ahead of others. It fits the clue "In the lead" perfectly.
In the lead : ON TOP
The answer "AHEAD" fits the clue "In the lead" because it means being in front or in advance of others.
In the lead : ON TOP
The phrase "on top" can mean leading or being in first place, making it a fitting answer for the clue "In the lead."
Input analyzed by a supercomputer : BIG DATA
The answer "BIG DATA" fits because supercomputers are used to analyze large and complex sets of data, which is commonly referred to as "big data."
Jumps like a frog : LEAPS
The answer "LEAPS" fits the clue "Jumps like a frog" because frogs are known for making big, swift jumps, which can be described as "leaps."
Like some cheddar : SHARP
The term "sharp" is often used to describe aged cheddar cheese, indicating a stronger and more intense flavor compared to milder cheddar varieties.
Like some pricey produce : ORGANIC
The answer "ORGANIC" is the right solution because organic produce is often more expensive than conventionally grown produce due to the higher cost of organic farming practices.
Make simpler : EASE
"EASE" means to make something simpler or more manageable. In this context, if you "ease" a situation or a task, you are making it less difficult or complicated.
Marshy wetland : BOG
The word "bog" is a type of marshy wetland characterized by wet, spongy ground consisting mainly of decaying plant matter. It fits the description of a marshy wetland, making it the right answer.
More friendly : NICER
"Nicer" is the right answer because it means more pleasant, kind, or friendly in comparison to another option.
Netflix true crime series about big cats : TIGER KING
The answer "TIGER KING" fits the clue because it is a popular Netflix true crime series that focuses on big cats and the eccentric characters involved in the exotic animal industry.
Noodle soup with a Saigon style : PHO
"Pho" is a noodle soup that originated in Vietnam, particularly in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). Therefore, a noodle soup with a Saigon style would be referred to as "pho."
On-campus residence : DORM
"DORM" is the right answer because it is a common abbreviation for "dormitory," which is a building on a college campus where students live.
Pans for making beef chow fun : WOKS
"WOKS" are large, round-bottomed pans commonly used in Asian cooking, especially for stir-frying. They are ideal for making dishes like beef chow fun due to their shape and ability to retain high heat, making them the right solution for the clue.
Parent company of Simmons : SERTA
The parent company of Simmons is Serta because Serta Simmons Bedding is the largest mattress manufacturer in the United States and owns both the Serta and Simmons brands.
Poker stake : ANTE
The term "ante" is commonly used in poker to refer to the initial bet that each player must place before the cards are dealt. It is a standard part of the game and fits perfectly with the clue "Poker stake."
Poker stake : ANTE
The term "ANTE" refers to the initial bet that each player must put into the pot before the cards are dealt in a game of poker. This is a common term used in poker and fits the clue "Poker stake" perfectly.
Pollution in the sky : SMOG
"Smog" is the right answer because it refers to a type of air pollution that consists of a mixture of smoke and fog, typically found in urban areas with high levels of pollution.
Powwow host : TRIBE
In a powwow, a tribe typically serves as the host by organizing and leading the event. Therefore, "TRIBE" is a fitting answer for the clue "Powwow host".
Powwow host : TRIBE
The answer "TRIBE" fits the clue "Powwow host" because a powwow is a gathering of Native American tribes, and each powwow is typically hosted by a specific tribe.
Predatory fish capable of crawling on land, or what each part of 16-, 24-, 37- and 53- can be : SNAKEHEAD
The answer "SNAKEHEAD" fits the clue because each part of the answers to the other clues (16-, 24-, 37-, and 53-across) can also be types of "SNAKE" or "HEAD", making "SNAKEHEAD" the appropriate solution.
Prepared to throw a dart : AIMED
The word "aimed" is the right answer because when you are prepared to throw a dart, you would typically aim it at a target to try to hit it accurately.
Prix fixe offering : SET MENU
The answer "SET MENU" is the right solution because a prix fixe offering refers to a fixed menu with a predetermined selection of dishes offered at a set price.
Prix fixe offering : SET MENU
The term "Prix fixe" refers to a fixed price menu where a set number of courses are offered for a set price. "Set menu" is a synonym for this concept, making it the correct answer.
Process of validating a will : PROBATE
"PROBATE" is the correct answer because it refers to the legal process of validating a will after someone's death, ensuring that the will is authentic and can be executed as per the deceased person's wishes.
Race car safety feature : ROLL BAR
A roll bar is a safety feature in race cars designed to protect the driver in case of a rollover or crash. It helps to prevent the roof from collapsing and provides additional structural support to the vehicle.
Rooftop lounging spot : TERRACE
"TERRACE" is the right solution because a terrace is an outdoor area on a rooftop where people can relax and lounge.
Second rock from the sun : VENUS
Venus is the second planet from the sun in our solar system.
Self-indulgent episode : EGO TRIP
The term "ego trip" refers to a self-indulgent episode where someone focuses excessively on themselves and seeks validation or admiration. It fits the clue because it describes a moment of self-centered behavior or attitude.
Serious genre : DRAMA
"Drama" is the right answer because it is a genre that typically deals with serious or intense themes, often focusing on emotional conflicts and relationships among characters.
Shaken or stirred drink : MARTINI
The answer "MARTINI" fits because it is a type of drink that can be either shaken or stirred according to personal preference.
Sneakers brand : AVIA
AVIA is a well-known brand of sneakers, making it the correct answer to the clue "Sneakers brand."
Soak up : ABSORB
The word "sop" can mean to soak up liquid or absorb it. Therefore, "Soak (up)" can be a clue for the answer "SOP".
Soak up : ABSORB
The word "sop" means to soak up or absorb liquid, making it the right solution for the clue "Soak (up)".
Soak up : ABSORB
"ABSORB" is the right answer because it means to take in or soak up a liquid or substance.
Solemn promise : PLEDGE
The word "pledge" is a synonym for a solemn promise, making it the right solution for the clue.
Spread the wealth : SHARE
The clue "Spread the wealth" is a hint to share, which means distributing something among others. In this context, "share" fits perfectly as the answer.
Surfer’s ride : WAVE
"WAVE" is the right answer because surfers ride on waves in the ocean to catch and ride them for enjoyment and sport.
Take a breather : REST
The answer to "Take a breather" is "REST" because when we take a breather, we pause and rest to catch our breath. Therefore, "REST" is the correct solution as it fits the clue and represents the action of taking a break.
Take a breather : REST
"Take a breather" is a common phrase that means to rest or pause to catch one's breath. Therefore, the answer "REST" fits perfectly as it means to relax or cease activity for a period of time.
The Matterhorn’s range : ALPS
The Matterhorn is located in the Alps mountain range, making "ALPS" the correct answer.
Things opened in bars and browsers : TABS
The word "TABS" can refer to both tabs in a browser, which are used to open multiple web pages, and tabs in a bar, which are used to keep track of drinks ordered by a customer. The clue cleverly plays on the dual meaning of the word "tabs."
Third-person pronoun : SHE
The answer "SHE" is the third-person singular pronoun used to refer to a female person or animal. In this case, the clue "Third-person pronoun" is asking for a pronoun that represents a female entity, making "SHE" the correct answer.
Union payments : DUES Down 1 Spill the beans
The answer to "Union payments" is "DUES" because union members make regular payments to support the union's activities and services. The answer to "Spill the beans" is "DUES" because it means to reveal a secret or disclose confidential information.
Watched closely : EYED
"EYED" means to watch closely or observe carefully. In this context, it is a common expression used in everyday language to indicate paying close attention to something or someone.
Wear the crown : REIGN
The answer "REIGN" fits the clue "Wear the crown" because "reign" can mean to rule as a monarch or to hold a position of power or authority, symbolized by wearing a crown.
__ of the above : NONE
The phrase "__ of the above" is commonly used in multiple-choice questions where none of the given options are correct. Therefore, the correct answer is "NONE" as it indicates that none of the options provided are the correct choice.
__ of the above : NONE
The phrase "none of the above" is commonly used in multiple-choice questions to indicate that none of the options provided is the correct answer. Therefore, the answer to "__ of the above" is "NONE" as it signifies that none of the options listed is applicable.
“Finish every last bite on your plate!” : EAT IT UP!
The answer "EAT IT UP!" fits the clue because it is a common phrase used to encourage someone to finish all the food on their plate.
“Gosh!” : GEE!
The answer to "Gosh!" is "GEE!" because "Gee" is an exclamation used to express surprise or excitement, similar to "Gosh."
“Gosh!” : GEE!
The answer "GEE!" is a common expression of surprise or excitement, similar to "Gosh!" in the clue. It fits the clue both in meaning and length.
“I told you so!” : SEE?!
The answer "SEE?!" fits the clue "I told you so!" because it is a common exclamation used to emphasize that the speaker was correct or that their prediction came true. It is a way of saying "See, I was right!" in an emphatic and slightly triumphant manner.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
The clue is asking for a response that means "I feel the same way." "As am I" is a correct and concise way to express this sentiment.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
The phrase "Same here" indicates agreement or similarity with a previous statement. "So am I" is a common response that shows agreement or similarity with the other person, making it the right solution.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
The phrase "Me too!" is a common response to indicate agreement or similarity with something that has been said. In the context of the clue "Same here!", "Me too!" is a fitting and colloquial response, making it the right solution.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
"DITTO" is often used to mean "the same" or "likewise". So, when someone says "Same here", responding with "DITTO" is a way to convey that you feel the same way or have had the same experience.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
The answer "SO DO I!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express agreement with a statement or feeling that someone else has expressed.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
"Same here" is a phrase used to express agreement with a previous statement. "So do I" is a common response indicating that the speaker feels the same way or has had a similar experience.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
"DITTO" is a common informal way to say "same here" or "likewise," making it the right solution for the clue. It succinctly conveys agreement or similarity in a casual manner.
“Same here!” : ME TOO!
The answer "I DO TOO!" is a common informal way of expressing agreement or similarity with someone else's statement, making it a fitting response to "Same here!" in casual conversation.
“Sheesh, what a day!” : AM I BEAT?!
“Still pending” letters : TBD
The answer "TBD" stands for "To Be Determined," indicating that the letters are still pending and a decision has not yet been made.
“You __ to be there” : HAD
The phrase "You had to be there" is a common expression used to convey that someone needed to witness or experience something in order to fully understand or appreciate it. In this context, "had" is the correct answer because it completes the phrase and conveys the necessary meaning.
“You __ to be there” : HAD
The phrase "You had to be there" is a common expression used to convey that something was difficult to explain or understand without experiencing it firsthand. In this context, "had" is the correct answer because it completes the sentence and conveys the intended meaning.