Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 4 October 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.
Asian country divided in 1945 : KOREA
The answer to "Asian country divided in 1945" is "KOREA" because Korea was indeed divided into North Korea and South Korea in 1945 after World War II.
Astrological cat : LEO
The astrological sign Leo is often associated with the symbol of a lion, which is a type of cat. Therefore, "Leo" is the correct answer for "Astrological cat."
Bangers partner : MASH
The answer to "Bangers partner" is "MASH" because "bangers" is a British term for sausages, and "MASH" refers to mashed potatoes, which are often served with sausages.
Canceled out : NEGATED
The word "canceled" means to nullify or invalidate something, while "out" suggests the elimination or removal of something. "Negated" means to cancel out or make ineffective, which perfectly matches the clue.
Casual rejection : NAH
The answer "NAH" is a casual way of rejecting or saying no. It is a short and simple response that fits the clue "Casual rejection."
Casual rejection : NAH
The answer "NAH" is a casual way of rejecting something, often used in informal conversations. It is a short and simple response that conveys a lack of interest or agreement.
Cheap shot : LOW BLOW
The answer "LOW BLOW" is the right solution because a "cheap shot" refers to an unfair or unsportsmanlike action, and a "low blow" is a term commonly used to describe a punch or attack that is directed below the belt in boxing or other combat sports. Both phrases convey the idea of an underhanded or sneaky action.
Chicken __ king : A LA
The phrase "A LA" is a French term meaning "in the style of." In the context of the clue "Chicken __ king," "A LA" suggests that the chicken is prepared in the style of a king.
Classic sammie : BLT
The answer is "BLT" because it is a classic sandwich consisting of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
College grad : ALUMNA
The answer is "ALUMNA" because it refers to a female college graduate.
Colorado ski town : ASPEN
The answer to "Colorado ski town" is "ASPEN" because Aspen is a well-known ski resort town located in the state of Colorado.
Compete in a dramatic event at the World Aquatics Championships : HIGH DIVE
The answer "HIGH DIVE" is the right solution because it accurately describes the act of competing in a dramatic event at the World Aquatics Championships. High diving is a sport where athletes perform acrobatic dives from a platform or springboard at great heights into a pool.
Cruelty-free lip balm brand : EOS
The brand "EOS" is known for producing cruelty-free lip balms, meaning they do not test their products on animals. Therefore, "EOS" is the right answer for the clue "Cruelty-free lip balm brand."
Decade following Y2K : AUGHTS
The answer to "Decade following Y2K" is "AUGHTS" because it refers to the decade from 2000 to 2009. The term "aughts" is a colloquial way of referring to this time period, derived from the word "aught" meaning zero or nothing.
Dos y seis : OCHO
The clue "Dos y seis" is asking for the number that is the sum of two and six. The answer to this addition is eight, which is represented by the Spanish word "OCHO."
Erie Canal city : UTICA
The answer is "UTICA" because it is a city located along the Erie Canal in New York state.
Erie Canal city : UTICA
The Erie Canal city known as "UTICA" is a city in New York that is located along the Erie Canal route. It is a well-known city that is often associated with the Erie Canal, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Floral wreath : LEI
The answer to "Floral wreath" is "LEI" because a lei is a traditional Hawaiian garland made of flowers or leaves, often worn around the neck as a decorative adornment.
Flying fig. : ALT
The answer "ALT" is the right solution because it is a short form of "altitude" which refers to the height above the ground that an object or aircraft is flying at.
Foreign policy org. chaired by the president : NSC
The answer is "NSC" because it stands for National Security Council, which is a foreign policy organization chaired by the president.
Formula One event : RACE
The answer to "Formula One event" is "RACE" because a race is the main event in Formula One where drivers compete against each other to determine the winner.
Fourth mo. : APR
The answer to "Fourth mo." is "APR" because "APR" is the commonly used abbreviation for the month of April.
Gem from a mollusk : PEARL
The answer to "Gem from a mollusk" is "PEARL" because pearls are formed inside mollusks, such as oysters, as a result of the mollusk's defense mechanism against irritants. They are considered valuable gems due to their lustrous appearance.
General on American Chinese menus : TSO
The answer "TSO" is the right solution because it refers to General Tso, a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine.
General on American Chinese menus : TSO
"General Tso's chicken" is a popular dish on American Chinese menus, making "TSO" the correct answer for this clue.
Great Plains grazer : ELK
Greek X : CHI
The Greek letter "Chi" is commonly represented by the letter "X" in the English alphabet. Therefore, "Greek X" is a clue that is asking for the Greek letter "Chi" as the answer.
Greek X : CHI
The answer to "Greek X" is "CHI" because Chi is the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet and is commonly used to represent the letter X in mathematical equations and scientific contexts.
Home of Canada’s Parliament Hill : OTTAWA
The answer to "Home of Canada’s Parliament Hill" is "OTTAWA" because Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, and Parliament Hill is located there.
Home state of the Reds and the Browns : OHIO
The answer is "OHIO" because the Reds and the Browns are professional sports teams based in Cincinnati and Cleveland, which are both cities in the state of Ohio.
In a tidy way : NEATLY
The word "neatly" fits the clue "In a tidy way" because it means to do something in an organized and orderly manner, which aligns with the idea of being tidy.
Joyful dances : JIGS
The answer to "Joyful dances" is "JIGS" because jigs are a type of lively and exuberant traditional dances typically associated with Irish or Scottish music.
Kept cold : ICED
The answer "ICED" is the right solution because it means to keep something cold by putting ice on it.
Machine that helps with 51-Down : CPAP
The answer "CPAP" is the right solution because CPAP stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure, which is a machine used to treat sleep apnea, a condition mentioned in clue 51-Down. It helps to keep the airway open and provide a steady flow of air during sleep.
Makes glossy, as hair : SLEEKS
The word "sleeks" means to make something smooth and glossy, which fits the clue "Makes glossy, as hair."
Marshmallowy Easter treats : PEEPS
The answer to "Marshmallowy Easter treats" is "PEEPS" because PEEPS are a popular brand of marshmallow candies that are often shaped like chicks and bunnies and are commonly associated with Easter.
Meaning of an unlit “vacancy” sign : NO ROOM
Mouse site : PAD
The answer to "Mouse site" is "PAD" because a mouse pad is a flat surface where a computer mouse is placed and moved.
Necessary __ : EVIL
The phrase "Necessary __" is a common expression that implies something unpleasant or undesirable, but essential. The word "EVIL" fits this description perfectly, as it represents something that is necessary but not necessarily good.
Need for playing Rock Band, for short : MIC
The answer to the clue "Need for playing Rock Band, for short" is "MIC" because "MIC" is the abbreviation for microphone, which is an essential tool for singing in the game Rock Band.
Nick at __ : NITE
The answer to "Nick at __" is "NITE" because it is a common abbreviation for the word "night".
Painful turning point? : ANKLE
The answer "ANKLE" is the right solution because a painful turning point can refer to a sprained or twisted ankle, which can cause significant pain.
Paralyzing fear : TERROR
The word "terror" is commonly used to describe an intense and paralyzing fear. It fits the clue perfectly, making it the right solution.
Playing to break a tie, briefly : IN OT
The answer "IN OT" stands for "in overtime." In sports, when a game is tied at the end of regulation time, teams often play an additional period called overtime to break the tie. Therefore, "IN OT" accurately represents the concept of playing to break a tie in a brief and concise manner.
Prep, as onions : CHOP
The answer "CHOP" is the right solution because when you prep onions, you typically chop them into small pieces.
Primary : MAIN
The word "primary" can mean the most important or main. Therefore, "MAIN" is the right answer as it fits the definition of "primary".
Primary : MAIN
The word "MAIN" is a synonym for "Primary," meaning the most important or chief.
Primary : MAIN
The word "primary" can be synonymous with "main," as in the most important or primary element.
Quaker pronoun : THY
The answer to "Quaker pronoun" is "THY" because "THY" is an old-fashioned pronoun that was commonly used by Quakers to address someone in a respectful and familiar manner.
Quaker pronoun : THY
The answer "THOU" is the right solution because it is an old-fashioned pronoun that Quakers historically used to address individuals informally.
Regional collective pronoun : ALL Y’ALL
School gps. : PTAS
The answer "PTAS" stands for Parent-Teacher Associations, which are commonly found in schools. These associations often organize events, fundraisers, and provide support for students and teachers. Therefore, "PTAS" is a fitting answer for the clue "School gps."
School gps. : PTAS
"School gps." is a clue that is asking for an abbreviation for a group commonly found in schools. "PTAS" stands for Parent-Teacher Associations, which are common in many schools.
Secret spots? : ARMPITS
The answer "ARMPITS" is the right solution because armpits are typically hidden or covered by clothing, making them secret spots on the body.
See 33- : … THE BEGINNING
The answer to "See 33-" is "… THE BEGINNING" because it refers to a previous clue numbered 33, which likely has a word or phrase that can be completed by adding "THE BEGINNING" to it. This creates a new phrase or word that fits the given clue.
Singer Carey : MARIAH
The answer to "Singer Carey" is "MARIAH" because Mariah Carey is a famous singer known for her powerful vocals and numerous hit songs.
Sleeper’s problem : APNEA
The term "sleeper's problem" is commonly used to refer to a condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a person's breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The answer "APNEA" directly corresponds to this condition, making it the correct solution for the crossword clue.
Some NCOs : SGTS
The answer "SGTS" stands for "Sergeants," which are a type of non-commissioned officers (NCOs) in the military.
Spanish parent : MADRE
The answer "MADRE" is the right solution because in Spanish, "MADRE" translates to "mother," which is a term used to refer to a parent.
Support for a tire swing : LIMB
The answer "LIMB" is the right solution because a limb of a tree is commonly used as a support for a tire swing.
Swabbing spot : DECK Down 1 TV pioneer
The answer to "Swabbing spot" is "DECK" because "swabbing" is a clue that suggests we are looking for a nautical term. A "deck" on a ship is a common area where swabbing or cleaning can take place.
Synthetic pump : ARTIFICIAL HEART
The answer "ARTIFICIAL HEART" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Synthetic pump." An artificial heart is a device that is designed to function as a replacement for the human heart, serving as a pump to circulate blood throughout the body. It is made of synthetic materials, hence the term "synthetic pump."
Towers that may have scratching posts : CAT TREES
The answer "CAT TREES" is the right solution because it accurately describes towers that are specifically designed for cats and often have scratching posts incorporated into their design.
Trapshooting : SKEET
The answer to "Trapshooting" is "SKEET" because skeet is a type of shooting sport that involves shooting clay targets.
Use 55-Down, say : SHIP
The answer to "Use 55-Down, say" is "SHIP" because 55-Down refers to a four-letter word that means "send." "Ship" fits this description and is a common term used to refer to sending goods or items to a particular destination.
With 43-, “When one door closes, another door opens,” and an apt description of the answers to the starred clues : THE END IS JUST …
The answer "THE END IS JUST …" fits the clue because it completes the phrase "When one door closes, another door opens." The phrase implies that even when something ends, there are new opportunities waiting to be discovered.
[Snicker] : [HE-HE]
The answer to "[Snicker]" is "[HE-HE]" because "he-he" is an onomatopoeic representation of a snicker or a quiet laugh.
[Snicker] : [HE-HE]
The answer to "[Snicker]" is "[TEHEE]" because "tehee" is an onomatopoeic representation of a snickering or giggling sound.
[Snicker] : [HE-HE]
The word "heh" is a synonym for "snicker," which means to laugh in a quiet or suppressed manner.
__ bean : PINTO
The answer to "__ bean" is "PINTO" because it is a common type of bean used in cooking and often referred to by its name.
__ Fighters : Dave Grohl’s band
The answer to "__ Fighters" is "Dave Grohl’s band" because Dave Grohl is the lead singer and founder of the band called Foo Fighters.
__-la-la : TRA
The answer to "__-la-la" is "TRA" because "tra-la-la" is a common phrase used to represent a joyful or carefree singing or humming sound.
__-la-la : TRA
The answer to "__-la-la" is "singer's syllables" because "la-la" is a common vocalization used by singers to represent a melodic phrase or fill in lyrics when the exact words are not known or needed.
“Balderdash!” : PSHAW!
The answer "PSHAW!" is the right solution because it is an exclamation used to express disbelief or dismissal, which is synonymous with "Balderdash!"
“Balderdash!” : PSHAW!
The word "Balderdash" is a synonym for nonsense, so the answer "NONSENSE" fits the clue.
“I can do that” : LET ME
The phrase "Let me" is commonly used to express the willingness or ability to do something, which aligns with the clue "I can do that."
“SportsCenter” network : ESPN
The answer to "SportsCenter" network is "ESPN" because ESPN is a well-known sports network that airs the show "SportsCenter".
“SportsCenter” network : ESPN
ESPN is the correct answer because it is a popular sports network known for its show "SportsCenter" which provides sports news, highlights, and analysis.
“Star Wars” installment : EPISODE
The answer to "Star Wars" installment is "EPISODE" because the Star Wars franchise is known for releasing its movies in a series of numbered episodes.
“What the __!?” : HECK
The answer "HECK" fits the clue "What the __!?" because it is a mild exclamation used to express surprise or frustration.
“__ mañana” : HASTA
The phrase "hasta mañana" is a common Spanish expression that translates to "until tomorrow" in English. The word "hasta" means "until" or "till" in Spanish. Therefore, "HASTA" is the right answer for the crossword clue "“__ mañana”".
“__ mañana” : HASTA
"Hasta" is a Spanish word that translates to "until" in English. In the phrase "hasta mañana," it means "until tomorrow."
“__ mañana” : HASTA
The phrase "hasta mañana" in Spanish translates to "see you tomorrow" in English. "Hasta" means "until" or "see you" and "mañana" means "tomorrow."