Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 4 October 2024, Friday. 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.
401(k) rollover target : IRA
The answer "IRA" is correct because an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a common destination for rolling over funds from a 401(k) when changing jobs or retiring.
Alpine cheese from Italy : ASIAGO
Asiago is an alpine cheese that originated in Italy, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Alpine cheese from Italy."
Amphoralike vessel : EWER
The answer "EWER" fits the clue "Amphoralike vessel" because an ewer is a type of pitcher or jug that is often ornamental and has a similar shape to an amphora.
Año Nuevo month : ENERO
The clue is asking for a month in Spanish that corresponds to the holiday "New Year's Day". "Año Nuevo" translates to "New Year" and "enero" is the Spanish word for the month of January, which is when New Year's Day occurs. Therefore, "enero" is the correct answer.
Año Nuevo month : ENERO
"ENERO" is the Spanish word for the month of January. "Año Nuevo" translates to "New Year" in Spanish, and January is the month when the New Year begins.
Apollo vehicle, briefly : LEM
The answer "LEM" stands for Lunar Excursion Module, which was part of the Apollo spacecraft used for landing on the moon. "LEM" is a common abbreviation used to refer to this vehicle in the context of the Apollo missions.
App issue : BUG
The term "bug" is commonly used in the tech world to refer to an issue or glitch in an application or software. So, "App issue" can be succinctly clued as "BUG."
Baked potato? : HOT TUBER
The clue "Baked potato?" is a play on words, suggesting a potato that is both baked and hot. The answer "HOT TUBER" fits this description as it combines the idea of something hot (HOT) with a type of root vegetable (TUBER), which a potato is.
Barnett of CBS News : ERROL Down 1 Mid-Mar. figure
The answer "Errol" fits the clue "Barnett of CBS News" because Errol Barnett is a journalist who has worked for CBS News.
Barnett of CBS News : ERROL Down 1 Mid-Mar. figure
Barnett of CBS News : ERROL Down 1 Mid-Mar. figure
Errol Barnett is a correspondent for CBS News, making "ERROL" the right answer for the clue "Barnett of CBS News."
Blues guitarist Baker : ETTA
The answer "ETTA" fits the clue "Blues guitarist Baker" because Etta Baker was a notable blues guitarist.
Came to rest : ALIT
ALIT means to come to rest, especially after flying. In this case, the clue is looking for a word that means "came to rest," making ALIT the correct answer.
Carp kin : DACE
"Dace" is a type of fish that is a member of the carp family, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Carp kin."
Comics shriek : EEK!
The answer "EEK!" is often used in comics to represent a shriek or a sudden loud noise, making it a fitting response to the clue "Comics shriek."
Company that invented black-light fluorescent paint : DAY-GLO
The company that invented black-light fluorescent paint is Day-Glo Corporation, known for its vibrant and high-visibility colors that glow under ultraviolet light. The answer "DAY-GLO" fits the clue perfectly.
Compost bin helper : WORM
Worms help break down organic matter in a compost bin, aiding in the decomposition process. They are commonly found in compost bins and play a crucial role in turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
Country whose name comes from a Gaelic goddess : EIRE
The answer "EIRE" is the right solution because the country's name, Ireland, comes from the Gaelic goddess Ériu, making "EIRE" a fitting answer.
Deli sandwich : HERO
The answer "HERO" fits the clue "Deli sandwich" because a hero is a type of sandwich typically served in delis, also known as a sub or a hoagie.
Diamond heist? : ICE CAPER
The term "ice" is slang for diamonds, and a "caper" is a playful or mischievous adventure. Therefore, "ICE CAPER" is a clever play on words for a diamond heist.
Die-hard independent? : PARTY HATER
The answer "PARTY HATER" fits the clue "Die-hard independent?" because a party hater is someone who is strongly against attending or participating in parties, which can be seen as an independent choice.
Do roadwork : PAVE
"Pave" is the right answer because when you "pave" a road, you are carrying out roadwork by laying down a surface such as asphalt or concrete to make the road smooth and durable for vehicles.
Double boilers, e.g. : POTS
The answer "POTS" fits the clue "Double boilers, e.g." because double boilers are a type of cooking pots used for gently heating delicate foods.
Down : EAT
"Down!" is a command to get off or to descend from something, so "OFF" is the correct answer.
Down : EAT
The word "down" can be used as a synonym for "sad" or "depressed", making "SAD" the correct answer.
Down : EAT
The color blue is often associated with feeling sad or down, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Down."
Down : EAT
"Down" can refer to feeling low or unhappy, which is often described as being "sad." So, "SAD" is the right solution for this clue.
Down : EAT
The answer "EAT" fits the clue "Down" because eating is often associated with consuming food, which can bring a feeling of satisfaction or comfort, potentially lifting one's spirits or mood.
Eighth Greek letter : THETA
Theta is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, making it the correct answer to the clue "Eighth Greek letter."
Eighth Greek letter : THETA
The eighth Greek letter is "Theta" because it follows the Greek alphabet sequence, where Theta is the eighth letter.
Empower : ENABLE
ENABLE is the right answer because to empower someone is to give them the ability or means to do something, which is essentially what enabling does - it provides the necessary power or support for someone to take action.
Excavator-maker : BOBCAT
The answer "BOBCAT" fits the clue "Excavator-maker" because Bobcat is a well-known manufacturer of construction equipment, including excavators.
Exchange : SWAP
The word "exchange" means to give something and receive something else in return. "Swap" is a synonym of "exchange," making it the correct answer to the crossword clue.
Exchange : SWAP
"Exchange" can mean to swap or trade one thing for another, making "SWAP" the correct answer.
Exchange : SWAP
"Exchange" is a synonym for "swap," which means to give something and receive something else in return. In this context, "swap" fits the definition of exchanging items or goods.
Facility that’s in a constant state of ferment : BREWERY
The word "ferment" is often associated with the process of brewing beer, making a brewery a fitting answer to the clue.
Floor it : SPEED
The phrase "Floor it" is a common expression used to mean to accelerate quickly or drive at top speed. The answer "SPEED" fits this clue because it directly relates to driving fast or accelerating rapidly.
Gauge on an oil rig? : WELL METER
The term "WELL METER" refers to a device used to measure the flow rate of oil or gas from a well. On an oil rig, a well meter is essential for monitoring production levels and ensuring efficient operations.
Gender-neutral ethnic identity : LATINE
"Latine" is a gender-neutral term used to refer to individuals of Latin American descent. It is an inclusive and respectful way to address people of Latin American heritage without assuming their gender.
Get a second opinion? : REPOLL
"Get a second opinion" suggests seeking feedback from multiple sources, which is what a "repoll" does - it involves asking a question again to get a second round of opinions or votes.
Grammy winner from Donegal : ENYA
Enya is a Grammy-winning Irish singer and songwriter who hails from Donegal, Ireland. This makes her the correct answer to the clue "Grammy winner from Donegal."
Grasps : SEES
The answer "GETS" is the right solution because it means to understand or comprehend something, which is a synonym for "grasps."
Grasps : SEES
The word "sees" can mean to grasp or understand something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Grasps."
Henry VI’s school : ETON
The answer "ETON" fits the clue "Henry VI’s school" because Eton College is a prestigious British independent school founded by King Henry VI in 1440.
Idiotic : INANE
The word "inane" means lacking sense or significance. This makes it an appropriate synonym for "idiotic," which means foolish or stupid.
Idiotic : INANE
The word "inane" means silly or foolish, which is a synonym for "idiotic."
Incident that hurts one’s credit score : REPO
The answer "REPO" is short for repossession, which is an incident where a creditor takes back property due to missed payments. This can negatively impact one's credit score.
Kitchen gadget : RICER
The answer "APPLE PEELER" is the right solution because it is a kitchen gadget specifically designed for peeling apples. It is a device that easily removes the skin from apples, making it a useful tool in the kitchen.
Kitchen gadget : RICER
A ricer is a kitchen gadget used to mash or rice foods like potatoes. It fits the clue "Kitchen gadget" because it is a tool commonly found in the kitchen for specific food preparation tasks.
Layer : TIER
"Layer" is a synonym for "ply". In other words, "ply" can mean a layer of material, such as plywood with multiple layers of wood.
Layer : TIER
The answer "PLY" is the right solution for the clue "Layer" because "ply" can mean a single layer or thickness of something, such as plywood or multi-ply paper.
Layer : TIER
"TIER" is the right solution for "Layer" because a tier is a level or layer in a structure, system, or organization. In this context, "tier" is a synonym for layer.
Like Vikings : NORSE
"NORSE" is the right solution because Vikings were Norse people who lived in Scandinavia during the Viking Age.
Lose : SHAKE
"Misplace" is a synonym of "lose", meaning to put something in the wrong place and be unable to find it. Therefore, it fits the clue.
Lose : SHAKE
"Shed" can mean to lose something such as weight or hair. In this context, "Lose" can be synonymous with "Shed," making it the correct answer.
Lose : SHAKE
Lunar cycle component : PHASE
The lunar cycle consists of different phases such as new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. "Phase" is the right answer because it refers to each stage of the moon's cycle.
Netflix title role for Lily : FRANKIE
The answer is "FRANKIE" because Lily Tomlin played the title role of Frankie Bergstein in the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie."
Ninth Greek letter : IOTA
"IOTA" is the ninth letter of the Greek alphabet. The clue is asking for the name of the ninth Greek letter, which is "IOTA."
Not fully trusting : LEERY
The word "leery" means cautious or wary, which aligns with the clue "Not fully trusting."
Oaxacan wrap : SERAPE
The answer "SERAPE" is a traditional Mexican garment often worn in Oaxaca. It is a colorful and decorative wrap that is closely associated with the region, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Oaxacan wrap."
Ode or haiku : POEM
"POEM" is the right answer because an "Ode" and a "Haiku" are both types of poems. So, the answer that fits both descriptions is "POEM."
One of Bo Peep’s charges : EWE
This is the right solution because "EWE" is a female sheep, and Bo Peep is a character known for her sheep in the nursery rhyme "Little Bo Peep."
Order : FIAT
The answer to "Order" is "EDICT" because an edict is an official order or proclamation issued by a person in authority.
Order : FIAT
"Fiat" is a synonym for "order" in the sense of a command or decree, making it the correct solution for the clue.
Owl : HOOTER
Part of the upper deck? : ACE
The term "ace" can refer to a top player or performer, making it a fitting answer for "Part of the upper deck?" as it suggests someone at the top or ace level.
Place atop : SET ON
"Place atop" is a clue indicating that one object is being positioned above another. The answer "SET ON" fits this clue as it means to place something on top of another object.
Playwright Bogosian : ERIC
Eric Bogosian is a well-known American playwright, actor, and novelist. When the clue mentions "Playwright Bogosian," the answer "ERIC" fits perfectly as it is referring to Eric Bogosian.
Problematic dental patient? : DRILL BITER
The answer "DRILL BITER" is a play on the phrase "DRILL BITER" which refers to a dental patient who bites down on the dentist's drill.
Quality-control inspector at a knapsack factory? : PACK RATER
The answer "PACK RATER" is a play on the words "pack rat" and "rate." A quality-control inspector at a knapsack factory would be someone who rates or evaluates the quality of the packs being produced, making "PACK RATER" the fitting and clever solution to the clue.
Robinhood alternative : E-TRADE
The answer is "E-TRADE" because it is a popular online trading platform, similar to Robinhood, that allows users to buy and sell stocks and other securities.
Rolling in dough : RICH
The phrase "rolling in dough" is a colloquial expression meaning to be very wealthy or rich. So, the answer "RICH" fits the clue perfectly.
Shredded : TORE
The clue "shredded" is a past tense verb that means something has been torn into small pieces. "Tore" is a synonym for "torn" and "to bits" means into small pieces, so "tore to bits" can be interpreted as "shredded". Therefore, the answer is "TORETOBITS".
Shredded : TORE
The word "shredded" is a synonym for "tore", meaning to rip or pull something apart forcefully.
Socks : HOSE
Soda purchase : LITER
The answer "LITER" is the right solution because soda is often sold in liter-sized bottles or containers.
Streep of “Only Murders in the Building” : MERYL
Meryl Streep is a well-known actress, and "Streep" in the clue refers to her. "Only Murders in the Building" is a TV show she is not a part of, so "MERYL" is the correct answer.
Supercreepy : EERIE
The word "EERIE" means strange and frightening, which fits the description of something supercreepy.
Support on a course : TEE
The answer "TEE" fits the clue because a tee is a support used in golf to hold up a golf ball for the first stroke of each hole.
Take in : TRICK
"EARN" is a synonym for "take in" in the sense of making money or receiving income.
Take in : TRICK
The word "take in" in this context means to comprehend or understand something. When we read, we take in the information presented in the text, making "READ" the appropriate answer.
Take in : TRICK
"EAT" is the right answer because "take in" can mean to consume food, which is commonly referred to as eating.
Take in : TRICK
Takes to task : CHIDES
"Chides" means to scold or rebuke someone, which is synonymous with taking someone to task.
Tennis mulligan : LET
In tennis, when a player serves a fault, they are given a second chance to serve without penalty. This is called a "let."
Tony who holds the Cowboys record for most touchdown passes : ROMO
Tony Romo is a former quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and holds the team record for the most touchdown passes thrown. Therefore, "ROMO" is the correct answer to the clue.
Upscale bathroom installation : SPA
"SPA" is the right answer because a spa is an upscale bathroom installation that typically offers luxurious amenities such as whirlpool baths, sauna, and massage services. It fits the clue perfectly.
Vexes : RANKLES
The answer to "Vexes" is "PEEVES" because "peevish" is a word that means easily irritated or annoyed, which is synonymous with vexing or causing frustration.
Vexes : RANKLES
"Vexes" is a synonym for irritates or annoys. "Rankles" is a word that means to cause persistent irritation or resentment, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Writer Bombeck : ERMA
The answer to "Writer Bombeck" is "ERMA" because Erma Bombeck was a well-known American writer and humorist, making her the correct answer for this clue.
Writer Bombeck : ERMA
Erma Bombeck was a well-known American humorist and writer, so "Writer Bombeck" is a clear reference to her. The answer "ERMA" fits the clue perfectly.
“Couldn’t agree more” : AMEN
The phrase "Couldn't agree more" is often used in a positive or affirming context, similar to saying "Amen" in agreement or approval.
“Out!” : SCAT!
"Out!" is an expression used to tell someone to leave. "GOAWAY" is a phrasal verb that means to leave or depart. Therefore, "GOAWAY" is a suitable answer to the clue ""Out!"."
“Out!” : SCAT!
"Out!" is a command to leave or go away, and "scram" is a slang term that means the same thing. Therefore, "scram" is the right solution.
“Out!” : SCAT!
The answer "PASSE" for the clue "Out" is the right solution because "PASSE" means outdated or no longer fashionable, which can be synonymous with being "out" of style or relevance.
“Out!” : SCAT!
The word "Out" can mean away or not at home, making "AWAY" a fitting answer.
“Out!” : SCAT!
“Out!” : SCAT!
The answer "SCAT!" is often used as a command to shoo away or tell someone to leave, similar to saying "Out!" in a forceful manner.
“Songversation” artist India.__ : ARIE
India.Arie is a singer-songwriter known for her album "Songversation," making "ARIE" the right answer for the clue.
“To the stars,” in mottos : AD ASTRA
The Latin phrase "Ad Astra" translates to "To the stars." It is often used in mottos to convey the idea of reaching for the stars or striving for high goals.