Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 17 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.
AFB no-show : AWOL
The answer "AWOL" is the right solution because AFB stands for Air Force Base, and "no-show" refers to someone who fails to appear when expected. "AWOL" is a military acronym that stands for Absent Without Leave, which means someone is missing without permission.
Aids for airplane napping : NECK PILLOWS
The answer "NECK PILLOWS" is the right solution because they are specifically designed to provide support and comfort for the neck during napping, making them ideal aids for airplane napping.
Annapolis military sch. : USNA
The abbreviation "USNA" stands for United States Naval Academy, which is located in Annapolis. Therefore, "USNA" is the correct answer for the clue "Annapolis military sch."
Annual fact book : ALMANAC
The answer to "Annual fact book" is "ALMANAC" because an almanac is a reference book that provides various facts and information for a specific year, such as weather predictions, astronomical data, and historical events. It is published annually, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Attack with snowballs, say : PELT
The word "pelt" means to attack someone or something by throwing objects at them, like snowballs.
Bassett who plays Marvel’s Queen Ramonda : ANGELA
The answer to "Bassett who plays Marvel’s Queen Ramonda" is "ANGELA" because Angela Bassett is the actress who portrays the character Queen Ramonda in Marvel movies.
Baton-passing race with co-ed teams : MIXED RELAY
The answer "MIXED RELAY" is the right solution because it perfectly fits the clue "Baton-passing race with co-ed teams." In a mixed relay, teams consist of both male and female participants who take turns passing a baton to complete the race.
Bedroom noise : SNORE
The answer to "Bedroom noise" is "SNORE" because snoring is a common noise that often occurs in the bedroom while someone is sleeping.
Brewery order : ALE
The answer to "Brewery order" is "ALE" because ale is a type of beer that is commonly brewed and ordered at breweries.
Bruno, to Mirabel, in “Encanto” : TIO
In the movie "Encanto," Bruno is Mirabel's uncle, and "TIO" is the Spanish word for uncle. Therefore, "TIO" is the right answer to the clue.
Coin flip call : HEADS
The answer to "Coin flip call" is "HEADS" because when flipping a coin, one can call either "HEADS" or "TAILS". "HEADS" is one of the two possible options for the outcome of a coin flip.
Coin flip call : HEADS
The answer "HEADS" is correct because when flipping a coin, one of the two possible outcomes is for the coin to land with the side showing the head of a person. The other side is typically the tail.
Confess : ADMIT
The word "admit" is the right solution for the clue "confess" because it means to acknowledge or confess to something, especially something that is considered wrong or embarrassing.
Confidence builder : EGO BOOST
The answer "EGO BOOST" is the right solution because it refers to something that increases one's confidence or self-esteem.
Connective tissue : SINEW
The answer to "Connective tissue" is "SINEW" because sinew refers to the tough fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones in the body.
Connective tissue : SINEW
The answer to "Connective tissue" is "TENDON" because tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones in the body.
Desire : WANT
The word "want" is often used to describe a strong desire or a feeling of lacking something. Therefore, it is an appropriate answer for the clue "Desire."
Desire : WANT
The answer "ENVY" fits the clue "Desire" because envy is a strong feeling of wanting what someone else has, which aligns with the concept of desire.
Desire : WANT
"YEN" is a synonym for a strong desire or craving, often used in informal language. It fits the clue "Desire" well as it captures the essence of a strong longing or yearning for something.
Disc golf number : PAR
The term "PAR" is commonly used in disc golf to refer to the number of throws it should take an experienced player to complete a hole. It represents the average score that a skilled player would achieve. Therefore, "PAR" is the appropriate answer for the clue "Disc golf number."
Full collections : SETS
German white wine with a high sugar content : SWEET RIESLING
The answer "SWEET RIESLING" is the right solution because Riesling is a popular German white wine known for its high sugar content. It is often described as sweet, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Go along with : AGREE TO
The answer "AGREE TO" fits the clue "Go along with" because it means to accept or consent to something, which is essentially going along with a decision or proposal.
Had trouble swallowing : GAGGED
The answer "GAGGED" fits the clue "Had trouble swallowing" because when someone is gagged, it means their mouth is partially or completely blocked, making it difficult or impossible to swallow.
Helps a thief, maybe : ABETS
The answer "ABETS" is the right solution because it means to assist or support someone in committing a crime, which aligns with the clue "Helps a thief, maybe."
Inky stain : BLOT
The answer "BLOT" is the right solution because it refers to an inky stain. When you blot something, you typically use a piece of absorbent material to soak up or remove a liquid, such as ink. Therefore, "BLOT" fits the clue "Inky stain."
Iron-rich leafy vegetable : KALE
The answer to "Iron-rich leafy vegetable" is "KALE" because kale is a type of leafy green vegetable that is known for its high iron content.
Is priced at : COSTS
The answer "COSTS" is the right solution because it means "is priced at" in the context of determining the monetary value or price of something.
Jimmy Kimmel’s network : ABC
The answer is "ABC" because it is the network on which Jimmy Kimmel hosts his late-night talk show.
Joins the flow of traffic : MERGES
The answer "MERGES" fits the clue "Joins the flow of traffic" because it accurately describes the action of merging into the existing traffic stream while driving.
Kitchen glove : OVEN MITT
The answer "OVEN MITT" is the right solution because it is a type of glove specifically designed for use in the kitchen, particularly when handling hot items or working with ovens.
Knotted neckwear : TIE
The answer to "Knotted neckwear" is "TIE" because a tie is a type of neckwear that is typically knotted around the neck.
Lesson one might get a kick out of? : KARATE CLASS
The answer "KARATE CLASS" fits the clue because in a karate class, the students learn and practice kicks as part of their lessons.
Like proofed dough : RISEN
The answer "RISEN" is the right solution because when dough has been proofed, it has undergone a process of fermentation and has risen in size.
Miracle-__ : fertilizer brand
The answer to "Miracle-__" is "fertilizer brand" because Miracle-Gro is a well-known brand of fertilizer commonly used in gardening.
Miracle-__ : fertilizer brand
unknown
Muppet who refers to himself in the third person : ELMO
The answer is "ELMO" because he is a Muppet character from Sesame Street who often speaks about himself in the third person.
Noble gas used in welding : ARGON
The answer "ARGON" is the right solution because it is a noble gas commonly used in welding. Noble gases, like argon, are inert and do not react with other elements, making them ideal for creating a protective atmosphere during welding.
Not very much : A TAD
The word "ABIT" means "to a small extent" or "not very much," which is a suitable answer for the crossword clue "Not very much."
Not very much : A TAD
The answer "A TAD" is the right solution for the clue "Not very much" because "tad" is a colloquial term meaning a small or insignificant amount.
Now and __ : THEN
The phrase "Now and __" implies a comparison between two different points in time. "THEN" is the appropriate answer because it signifies a specific point in the past, which contrasts with the present.
Overhaul : RETOOL
The word "overhaul" means to completely renovate or make extensive changes to something. The answer "RETOOL" fits this clue because it means to modify or update a process or system, which aligns with the concept of overhauling.
Overhaul : RETOOL
The word "overhaul" means to redo or renovate something completely. In this context, "redo" is a synonym for overhaul, making it the right answer.
Painter’s calculation : AREA
The answer "AREA" is the right solution because painters need to calculate the area of a surface in order to determine the amount of paint needed.
Profoundly bad : EVIL
The answer "EVIL" fits the clue "Profoundly bad" because it describes something that is morally wrong or wicked.
Profoundly bad : EVIL
The word "evil" is often used to describe something that is profoundly bad or morally wrong. It fits the clue well in conveying a strong sense of negativity and wickedness.
Rant : HARANGUE
The word "TIRADE" is the right solution for the clue "Rant" because a tirade refers to a long, angry, and passionate speech or outburst, which accurately captures the essence of a rant.
Rant : HARANGUE
Rant : HARANGUE
The word "diatribe" means a forceful and bitter verbal attack or criticism, which is synonymous with the word "rant."
Route : WAY
The word "way" can be used to refer to a route or path that leads from one place to another. Therefore, "way" is a suitable answer for the crossword clue "Route."
Route : WAY
The word "way" can be used as a synonym for "route," indicating a path or direction to get from one place to another.
Second longest African river : CONGO
Shenandoah Valley state : VIRGINIA
The Shenandoah Valley is located in the state of Virginia, making "VIRGINIA" the correct answer.
Slump : SAG
The answer to "Slump" is "SAG" because when something slumps, it tends to droop or sink down, which is similar to the meaning of the word "sag."
Slump : SAG
The answer "SAG" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "slump." When something sags, it droops or bends downward, which is similar to the idea of slumping or losing strength.
Source of inspiration : MUSE
The answer to "Source of inspiration" is "MUSE" because in Greek mythology, the Muses were the goddesses who inspired creativity and the arts.
Sports venue : ARENA
The answer to "Sports venue" is "ARENA" because an arena is a large, enclosed space specifically designed for sporting events and performances.
Sports venue : ARENA
"ARENA" is a suitable answer for "Sports venue" because an arena is a large, enclosed area typically used for sports events and other performances.
Start of something great : PROMISING IDEA
The answer "PROMISING IDEA" is the right solution because it refers to the beginning of a concept or plan that shows potential for success or positive outcomes.
Stocky dogs : BOXERS
The answer to "Stocky dogs" is "BOXERS" because Boxers are a breed of dogs known for their muscular and stocky build.
Suffix on pasta names : -INI
The suffix "-INI" is commonly used in Italian to indicate a smaller or mini version of something. In the context of pasta names, it is often added to indicate a smaller or thinner type of pasta. For example, "linguini" is a smaller version of "linguine." Therefore, "-INI" is the correct suffix for pasta names.
Supreme being : GOD
The answer to "Supreme being" is "GOD" because in many religions and belief systems, God is considered the highest and most powerful being.
Supreme being : GOD
The answer "GOD" fits the clue "Supreme being" because God is often considered the highest power or ultimate being in many religions and belief systems.
Surprised shout when a spot on the wall starts moving, and what can be said about 17-, 26-, and 43- : IT’S GOT LEGS!
The answer "IT'S GOT LEGS!" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Surprised shout when a spot on the wall starts moving" and also describes what can be said about the words or phrases at 17-, 26-, and 43-.
Tennis star Osaka : NAOMI
The answer "NAOMI" is the right solution because Naomi Osaka is a well-known tennis star.
Toy for a windy day : KITE
The answer to "Toy for a windy day" is "KITE" because a kite is a toy that is flown in the air using wind power.
Vanilla extract amt. : TSP
The abbreviation "TSP" stands for teaspoon, which is commonly used in recipes to measure small amounts of ingredients like vanilla extract.
Vision-correcting surgery : LASIK
The answer to "Vision-correcting surgery" is "LASIK" because LASIK is a common surgical procedure used to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It involves reshaping the cornea to improve vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Wander : ROVE
The word "roam" means to move around without any specific destination or purpose, which is synonymous with the word "wander". Therefore, "roam" is the right answer to the clue "wander".
Wander : ROVE
The answer "ROVE" fits the clue "Wander" because it means to move about aimlessly or without a fixed destination.
Wander : ROVE
The answer "ROAM" is the right solution for the clue "Wander" because it means to move around without a specific destination or purpose.
Wander : ROVE
"Rove" is a synonym for wander, meaning to move about without a fixed destination.
Wrinkly citrus fruit : UGLI
The answer to "Wrinkly citrus fruit" is "UGLI" because the Ugli fruit is a type of citrus fruit that has a rough and wrinkled skin.
Yard sale payment : CASH
The answer to "Yard sale payment" is "CASH" because it is a commonly accepted form of payment at yard sales.
Yardstick unit : INCH
The answer "INCH" is the right solution for the clue "Yardstick unit" because an inch is a commonly used unit of measurement that is often marked on a yardstick. It is a short and simple unit that helps measure small distances.
__ Club : bulk-buying chain
The answer to "__ Club" is "bulk-buying chain" because a club typically refers to an organization or group, and in this context, it specifically refers to a chain of stores that allows customers to purchase items in large quantities at discounted prices.
__-serif : SANS Down 1 Pago Pago’s land
The answer to "__-serif" is "SANS" because "SANS" is a term used in typography to describe a font that does not have small decorative lines at the end of the characters.
__-serif : SANS Down 1 Pago Pago’s land
The answer to "__-serif" is "SANS" because "sans-serif" is a term used in typography to describe a typeface that does not have small decorative lines at the ends of characters. The clue is asking for a word that means "without serif" and "SANS" is the appropriate answer.
“Beef” actress Wong : ALI
The answer to "Beef" actress Wong is "ALI" because the actress who played the character "Beef" in the movie "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" is Ellen Wong, and her last name matches the given clue.
“Blam!” : KAPOW!
The answer "KAPOW!" is the right solution because it is an onomatopoeic word often used in comic books to represent a loud sound or impact, like a sudden explosion or punch.
“I’m __ roll!” : ON A
The phrase "I'm on a roll!" is a common expression used to indicate that someone is experiencing a streak of success or good luck. In the context of the crossword clue, "ON A" fits perfectly to complete the phrase.
“I’m __ roll!” : ON A
The phrase "I'm on a roll!" means that someone is experiencing a period of success or good luck. So, the correct answer is "ON A" because it completes the sentence and makes sense in the context of the clue.
“More or less” suffix : -ISH
The suffix "-ish" is used to indicate approximation or a degree of something. It can be added to a word to suggest that it is somewhat like the base word, but not exactly the same. For example, "reddish" means somewhat red, and "smallish" means somewhat small. Therefore, "-ish" is the right solution for the clue "More or less" because it implies a degree of something without being precise.
“We __ amused” : ARE NOT
The phrase "We __ amused" is a quote often attributed to Queen Victoria. The missing word is "ARE NOT" because the full quote is "We are not amused." This phrase is used to indicate that someone is not finding something funny or entertaining.