Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 3 October 2023, Tuesday. 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.
Actor McKellen : IAN
The answer to "Actor McKellen" is "IAN" because Sir Ian McKellen is a well-known British actor, and "IAN" is a common abbreviation for the name "Ian".
Actor McKellen : IAN
The answer to "Actor McKellen" is "IAN" because Ian McKellen is a well-known actor, particularly for his roles in films like "The Lord of the Rings" and "X-Men."
All one has to do, sometimes : ASK
The answer "ASK" fits the clue "All one has to do, sometimes" because when we need information or assistance, we often just need to ask someone for help.
Asanas : YOGA POSES
The answer "YOGA POSES" is the right solution because "asanas" is a term used in yoga to refer to different body postures or poses.
Be friendly, in a way : SAY HI
The answer "SAY HI" is the right solution because saying "hi" is a common and friendly way to greet someone.
Bravo preceder : ALFA
The answer to "Bravo preceder" is "ALFA" because "ALFA" is the phonetic alphabet word that comes before "Bravo."
Bullion bars : INGOTS
The answer to "Bullion bars" is "INGOTS" because ingots are commonly used to refer to bars of precious metals, such as gold or silver, that are used for investment or industrial purposes.
Burnout cause : STRESS
The answer "STRESS" is the right solution to the clue "Burnout cause" because excessive stress can often lead to burnout, which is a state of physical or emotional exhaustion.
Bygone Russian space station : MIR
The answer to "Bygone Russian space station" is "MIR" because MIR was a Russian space station that was in operation from 1986 to 2001.
Capital letter creator : SHIFT KEY
The answer to "Capital letter creator" is "SHIFT KEY" because pressing the shift key on a keyboard allows you to type capital letters instead of lowercase letters.
Chip’s partner : DALE
The answer to "Chip's partner" is "DALE" because Chip and Dale are a famous cartoon duo from Disney.
Christie sleuth Hercule : POIROT
The answer "POIROT" is the right solution because Hercule Poirot is a famous fictional detective created by Agatha Christie.
Classic Motown hit about a wedding ring : BAND OF GOLD
The answer "BAND OF GOLD" is the right solution because it is a classic Motown hit that specifically mentions a wedding ring in the lyrics.
Cling (to) : ADHERE
The word "adhere" means to stick or cling to something. It is the right solution because it perfectly matches the clue "Cling (to)".
Composer Carmichael : HOAGY
The answer to "Composer Carmichael" is "HOAGY" because Hoagy Carmichael was an American composer known for his popular songs like "Stardust" and "Georgia on My Mind."
Corn serving : EAR
The answer to "Corn serving" is "EAR" because an ear of corn refers to a single unit of corn on the cob.
Danced to “La cumparsita,” say : TANGOED
The clue mentions "La cumparsita," which is a famous tango song. Therefore, the answer "TANGOED" fits perfectly as it means to dance the tango.
Difficult to understand : GARBLED
The word "garbled" means to be difficult to understand or make sense of. It fits perfectly with the clue "difficult to understand" as it describes something that is unclear or muddled.
Duration : LENGTH
The answer to "Duration" is "LENGTH" because "length" refers to the measurement of how long something is. In the context of time, duration is often measured in terms of length.
Duration : LENGTH
The answer to "Duration" is "SPAN" because "span" is a term used to refer to the length of time or duration of something. It fits the clue well.
Fertile desert spots : OASES
The answer "OASES" is the right solution because oases are known to be fertile spots in the desert where water is present, allowing for the growth of vegetation.
Give it a go : TRY
The answer to "Give it a go" is "TRY" because "try" means to attempt or make an effort, which aligns with the idea of giving something a go.
Give __ : care
The answer to "Give __" is "care" because the phrase "Give care" means to show concern or provide assistance to someone.
GPS lines : STS
The answer to "GPS lines" is "Abbr." because GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and the lines on a GPS map are abbreviated as routes or paths.
GPS lines : STS
The answer to "GPS lines" is "STS" because "STS" stands for "Satellite Tracking System," which is a network of satellites used in GPS technology to determine precise locations on Earth.
GPS lines : STS
The answer to "GPS lines" is "RDS" because RDS stands for Radio Data System, which is a feature in GPS devices that provides information such as traffic updates and song titles on radio stations.
Group that plays in foursomes : BRIDGE CLUB
The answer "BRIDGE CLUB" is the right solution because in the game of bridge, players are divided into groups of four called "foursomes".
Guest speaker’s platform : DAIS
The answer to "Guest speaker's platform" is "DAIS" because a dais is a raised platform or stage where a speaker stands to address an audience.
Had a memory lapse : FORGOT
The answer "FORGOT" is the right solution because it means to have a memory lapse or to fail to remember something.
Head cover : HAT
The answer to "Head cover" is "HAT" because a hat is an article of clothing that is worn on the head to provide protection or as a fashion accessory.
Humble home : HUT
The word "humble" suggests simplicity and modesty, which aligns with the definition of a "hut." A hut is a small, basic dwelling typically made of simple materials, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Humble home."
Humble home : HUT
A hut is a small, simple, and humble dwelling, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Humble home."
Joyous way to break out : IN SONG
The clue "Joyous way to break out" suggests that we are looking for a phrase that describes a happy or joyful way to express oneself. The answer "IN SONG" fits this description perfectly, as singing is often associated with joy and expressing emotions.
Labor agcy. : OSHA
The answer to "Labor agcy." is "OSHA" because OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a federal agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees.
Labor agcy. : OSHA
The answer to "Labor agcy." is "OSHA" because OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which is a government agency responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions.
Legendary Kentucky basketball coach Rupp : ADOLPH
The answer to "Legendary Kentucky basketball coach Rupp" is "ADOLPH" because Adolph Rupp was a well-known and highly successful basketball coach at the University of Kentucky.
Ma’s ma : NANA
The answer to "Ma's ma" is "NANA" because "NANA" is a common term used to refer to one's grandmother.
Mixed breeds : MUTTS
The answer "MUTTS" is the right solution because it refers to mixed breed dogs, which are typically a combination of different breeds.
Morse Code components : DOTS
The answer "DOTS" is the right solution because in Morse Code, the basic units are represented by dots and dashes. In this case, the clue is asking for the components of Morse Code, which are the individual dots.
Most well-to-do : BEST OFF
The phrase "best off" means being in the most advantageous or prosperous position. Therefore, "best off" is the right solution for the clue "most well-to-do."
Mrs. Addams, to Gomez : TISH
The answer to "Mrs. Addams, to Gomez" is "TISH" because TISH is the affectionate nickname that Gomez Addams uses for his wife Morticia Addams in the television show "The Addams Family".
Narc’s org. : DEA
The answer "DEA" is the right solution because it stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is an organization responsible for enforcing drug laws in the United States.
Narc’s org. : DEA
The answer "DEA" is the right solution because it stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is the federal agency responsible for combating drug smuggling and distribution in the United States.
Narc’s org. : DEA
DEA stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is the organization responsible for enforcing drug laws in the United States. Therefore, "Narc's org." is a common abbreviation for DEA.
NBA legend Ming : YAO
The answer to "NBA legend Ming" is "YAO" because Yao Ming is a well-known former basketball player who played in the NBA.
Oinker’s pen : STY Down 1 Steers and rams
The answer to "Oinker's pen" is "STY" because a sty is a small enclosure or pen where pigs are kept. It is a common term used to refer to a pigpen. The answer to "Steers and rams" is "STAGS" because both steers and rams are male animals. "Stags" is a term used to describe male deer, specifically those that are not castrated.
One of Santa’s reindeer : DASHER
The answer "DASHER" is the right solution because Dasher is one of the most well-known reindeer from the popular Christmas story.
Panache : ELAN
The word "ELAN" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "panache." Both words convey a sense of style, flair, and confidence.
Panache : ELAN
The word "flair" is the right solution for the clue "panache" because "flair" means stylishness or elegance, which is synonymous with panache.
Panache : ELAN
"ECLAT" is the right solution for "Panache" because "ECLAT" is a French word that means style, flair, or elegance, which are all synonyms for panache.
Peek : LOOK
The answer to "Peek" is "LOOK" because "look" means to direct one's gaze towards something quickly or briefly, which is similar to peeking.
Peek : LOOK
The word "peek" means to quickly look or glance at something. Therefore, "LOOK" is the right solution as it is a synonym for "peek."
Playground fixture, or an apt description of the beginnings of the starred clues : SWING SET or “SWING” SET
The answer "SWING SET" fits the clue because it is a common fixture found in playgrounds. Additionally, the clue mentions that it is an apt description of the beginnings of the starred clues, indicating that the words preceding "SET" in each starred clue can also be associated with swings.
Plus : AND
"Plus" is a mathematical operation that means "addition". "Asset" is a synonym for "something valuable" or "positive attribute", which can be seen as something added or positive. Therefore, "asset" can be a suitable answer for "plus".
Plus : AND
The word "also" is a synonym for "plus" in the sense of indicating an additional item or idea.
Plus : AND
The word "plus" is often used as a synonym for "and" in mathematical equations. In crossword puzzles, "AND" is commonly clued as "plus" because it represents the same concept of adding things together.
Plus : AND
The word "plus" is often used as a mathematical symbol for addition, which is represented by the word "AND" in everyday language.
Plus : AND
The word "also" is often used to add something to what has already been said or written, making it a synonym for "plus."
Plus : AND
The word "Plus" is often used to indicate something extra or additional, which is synonymous with "bonus."
Polite denial : NO, SIR
The answer "NO, SIR" is the right solution because it is a polite way to decline or refuse something, while still showing respect by addressing the person as "sir."
Post-injury regimen : REHAB
The answer "REHAB" is the right solution because it refers to a post-injury regimen, which is short for rehabilitation. In this context, rehabilitation typically involves exercises and therapies to help someone recover from an injury or surgery.
Post-injury regimen : REHAB
"Post-injury regimen" typically refers to a rehabilitation program or "REHAB" that helps a person recover from an injury through exercises and therapy.
Post-injury regimen : REHAB
Prepared in accordance with Muslim law : HALAL
The answer "HALAL" is the right solution because it refers to food that is prepared in accordance with Muslim law, specifically in terms of what is permissible to consume.
Protect in glass, say : ENCASE
The word "encase" means to protect or cover something completely, often by placing it in a container or covering it with a material like glass. In this crossword clue, "Protect in glass, say," the word "encase" fits perfectly because it describes the action of safeguarding something by placing it in a glass enclosure.
Say something that doesn’t need to be said : STATE THE OBVIOUS
The phrase "state the obvious" means to say something that is already known or evident to everyone. In the context of the clue, it fits perfectly as it describes the act of saying something that doesn't need to be said.
Singer Sumac : YMA
The answer "YMA" is the right solution because Yma Sumac was a famous singer known for her unique vocal range and style.
Some “Rocky” dialogue : YOS
The answer "YOS" is the right solution because it is a slang term for "yes" commonly used in the movie "Rocky" and by the character Rocky Balboa.
Speed deterrents : BUMPS
The answer is "BUMPS" because speed deterrents are physical obstacles on the road that are designed to slow down vehicles, and "BUMPS" refers to the raised areas on the road that force drivers to reduce their speed.
Supplement : ADD TO
The answer "ADD ON" is the right solution because it means to supplement or add something extra to an existing thing or situation. It fits perfectly with the clue "Supplement" as it implies adding on to something that already exists.
Supplement : ADD TO
The answer "ADD ONTO" is the right solution for the clue "Supplement" because "ADD" means to increase or include something, and "ONTO" means to attach or add on to something. So, "ADD ONTO" means to add something extra or additional to something, making it a suitable answer for "Supplement."
Supplement : ADD TO
The answer "ADD TO" is the right solution for the clue "Supplement" because "add" means to increase or include something, and "to" indicates that something is being added to another thing. Therefore, "ADD TO" fits the clue perfectly.
Supplement : ADD TO
"Supplement" is a synonym for "add to," as a supplement is something added to complete or enhance something else. So, "ADD TO" is the right solution for this clue.
Tennis legend Arthur : ASHE
The answer to "Tennis legend Arthur" is "ASHE" because Arthur Ashe was a famous tennis player known for his achievements in the sport.
Tennis legend Arthur : ASHE
Arthur Ashe was a famous tennis player who won three Grand Slam titles. The clue "Tennis legend Arthur" is a direct reference to him, making "ASHE" the correct answer.
Tennis legend Arthur : ASHE
Arthur Ashe was a famous tennis player, the only black man to ever win singles titles at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. The clue "Tennis legend Arthur" is a direct reference to him, making "ASHE" the correct answer.
Vegas natural : ELEVEN
The answer to "Vegas natural" is "ELEVEN" because the sum of the two dice in a game of craps that would result in a natural is 11.
Verdi opera with Desdemona and Iago : OTELLO
The answer "OTELLO" is the right solution because it is the title of an opera composed by Verdi that features characters named Desdemona and Iago.
Walks leisurely : MOSEYS
The word "MOSEYS" means to walk leisurely or to move in a relaxed and unhurried manner. It fits perfectly with the clue "Walks leisurely" as it captures the idea of strolling or sauntering at a relaxed pace.
Wall-mounted light : SCONCE
The answer to "Wall-mounted light" is "SCONCE" because a sconce is a type of light fixture that is attached to a wall.
Working hard on : TOILING AT
The clue "Working hard on" suggests that we are looking for a phrase that means putting in a lot of effort. The answer "TOILING AT" fits this description perfectly. "Toiling" means working hard or laboring, and "at" indicates the specific activity or task being worked on. Therefore, "TOILING AT" is the right solution.
__ Angeles Guitar Quartet : LOS
The answer "LOS" is the right solution because "Los Angeles" is a common phrase used to refer to the city in California, and "guitar quartet" indicates that it is a group or ensemble. Therefore, the "Los Angeles Guitar Quartet" is a well-known musical group.
__ but surely : SLOWLY
The phrase "__ but surely" is an idiom that means making progress steadily over time. The word "SLOWLY" fits perfectly as it conveys the idea of gradual advancement.
__ ray : tropical swimmer
The answer "tropical swimmer" is the right solution for the clue "__ ray" because rays are a type of fish that can be found in tropical waters.
“A mouse!” : EEK!
The answer "EEK!" is the right solution because it is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound someone might make when they see a mouse.
“A mouse!” : EEK!
The answer "EEK!" is the sound someone might make when they are startled by a mouse, making it a fitting response to the exclamation "A mouse!" in the crossword clue.
“Auld Lang __” : SYNE
The answer to "Auld Lang __" is "SYNE" because "Auld Lang Syne" is a famous Scottish song often sung at New Year's Eve celebrations.
“Auld Lang __” : SYNE
The answer to "“Auld Lang __”" is "SYNE" because "Auld Lang Syne" is a traditional Scottish song typically sung on New Year's Eve. The word "syne" means "since" in Scottish dialect, making it the correct completion to the title of the song. The answer to "Available sans Rx" is "OTC" because "OTC" stands for "over-the-counter," indicating that a product is available for purchase without a prescription.
“It’s __-win situation” : A NO
The phrase "It's a no-win situation" means that there is no positive outcome or solution. In this context, "a no" is a play on words, representing the phrase "no-win." Therefore, "A NO" is the right solution for the crossword clue.
“It’s __-win situation” : A NO
The phrase "It's a no-win situation" means that there is no outcome that is advantageous or beneficial, making "A NO" the correct answer.
“Rumor has it … ” : I HEARD …
The answer "I HEARD ..." fits the clue "Rumor has it ..." because it is a common phrase used to introduce something that one has heard as a rumor or gossip. It implies that the information being shared may not be confirmed or entirely reliable.
“Rumor has it … ” : I HEARD …
The phrase "Rumor has it..." is often followed by "I HEAR..." in casual conversation, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
“The Accidental Tourist” novelist Tyler : ANNE
The answer to "The Accidental Tourist" novelist Tyler is "ANNE" because Anne Tyler is the author of the novel.
“This seems bad!” : UH-OH!
The phrase "UH-OH!" is commonly used to express a sense of worry or concern when something seems bad or goes wrong. It fits perfectly with the clue "This seems bad!" as it captures the feeling of apprehension or alarm.