Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 18 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.
Allow use of for a fee : LEASE TO
"Lease to" means allowing someone to use something in exchange for a fee, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Allow use of for a fee."
Brandy bottle letters : VSO
"VSO" stands for "Very Superior Old" and is commonly found on brandy bottles as a quality designation.
Brontë heroine : EYRE
The Brontë heroine referred to in the clue is Jane Eyre, the protagonist of the novel by Charlotte Brontë. Therefore, the answer is "EYRE."
Business letters? : INC
"LLC" stands for Limited Liability Company, which is a common type of business structure. Therefore, "Business letters" refers to the letters in the abbreviation "LLC" that represent a type of business entity.
Business letters? : INC
The answer "INC" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation used in business for "Incorporated." It is often found at the end of a company's name to indicate that it is a legal entity.
By land __ : OR SEA
The phrase "By land or sea" is a common expression that means by either method of travel. In this crossword clue, the answer "OR SEA" completes the phrase and makes logical sense in the context of travel options.
Cabs : TAXIS
The answer "TAXIS" fits the clue "Cabs" because "TAXIS" is a common term used to refer to cabs or taxicabs.
Captures : ENSNARES
The word "ensnares" is a synonym for "captures," meaning to catch or trap something or someone. Both words convey the idea of seizing or holding something.
Catches on : SEES
"Sees" can mean understanding or becoming aware of something, which fits the clue "Catches on."
Civil rights activist Chavez : CESAR
Cesar Chavez was a prominent civil rights activist known for his work in advocating for the rights of farmworkers in the United States. The clue "Civil rights activist Chavez" is referring to him, making "CESAR" the correct answer.
Comedian Foxx : REDD
"Comedian Foxx" is a clue referring to the comedian and actor Redd Foxx. Therefore, the correct answer is "REDD."
Common flashlight battery : C-CELL
The answer "C-CELL" is the right solution because it is a common type of battery used in flashlights, known for its size and power capacity.
Corvallis sch. : OSU
The answer to "Corvallis sch." being "OSU" is correct because OSU stands for Oregon State University, which is located in Corvallis, Oregon.
Double negative? : NO-NO
The term "double negative" refers to using two negative words in a sentence, which can cancel each other out. "NO-NO" is a playful way to indicate a double negative, as it consists of two instances of the word "no."
Early topic in music theory : KEY OF C
The answer "KEY OF C" is the right solution because in music theory, the key of C is often one of the first keys taught due to its simplicity (no sharps or flats) and its importance as a foundational key in understanding musical concepts.
Egg cream component : SODA Down 1 Cobbler fruit
Fed. stipend : SSI
The answer "SSI" stands for Supplemental Security Income, a federal stipend program for low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled.
Folder’s loss : ANTE
The answer "ANTE" is a play on words. In poker, a "fold" is when a player chooses not to play a hand. So, a "Folder's loss" would be the "ANTE" that the player put into the pot before folding.
Footlocker : TRUNK
The word "footlocker" is often used to refer to a trunk used for storing items at the foot of a bed or for military storage. "Trunk" is a common synonym for footlocker, making it the right answer.
Fruity Pebbles maker : POST
The answer "POST" is correct because Post is the company that makes Fruity Pebbles cereal.
Goddess often depicted holding an ankh : ISIS
ISIS is the Egyptian goddess often depicted holding an ankh, which is a symbol of life in ancient Egypt.
Handsome Dan’s school : YALE
YALE is known for its mascot Handsome Dan, making it the correct answer to the clue "Handsome Dan’s school."
Holy city of Islam : MECCA
Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam because it is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the most sacred structure in Islam. Millions of Muslims visit Mecca every year for the Hajj pilgrimage.
Home country of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum : KENYA
Kenya is the home country of many renowned long-distance runners, including marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum. The clue is asking for the country associated with the athlete, making "KENYA" the correct answer.
Immense : VAST
"VAST" is the right solution because it is a synonym for "immense," meaning extremely large or great in size.
In a thumb-twiddling way : IDLY
The word "idly" means in a lazy or inactive manner, which fits the description of thumb-twiddling, making it the right solution for the clue.
Intro to a texter’s two cents : IMHO …
The answer "IMHO" stands for "In My Humble Opinion," which is a common way for texters to introduce their personal viewpoint in a conversation.
Ireland, poetically : ERIN
The word "ERIN" is a poetic term used to refer to Ireland. It is a common crossword answer for clues related to Ireland in a poetic or literary context.
Keeping folks waiting : LATE
"LATE" is the right answer because if someone is late, they are keeping folks waiting past the expected or agreed-upon time.
Knobs : DIALS
The word "knobs" is a synonym for "dials" when referring to controls on a machine or device. Both terms are often used interchangeably in this context.
Law school accrediting org. : ABA
The American Bar Association (ABA) is the organization that accredits law schools in the United States, making "ABA" the correct answer for the clue "Law school accrediting org."
Learned experts : SAVANTS
"Savants" are individuals who have exceptional knowledge or expertise in a particular field, making them learned experts.
Like Crayola’s Unmellow Yellow and Atomic Tangerine : NEON
The clue mentions bright and vibrant colors, which are characteristics of neon colors like Unmellow Yellow and Atomic Tangerine. "NEON" fits the description of these colors.
Like good angel food cake : AIRY
The answer "AIRY" is correct because angel food cake is known for its light and fluffy texture, similar to something that is airy.
Luxury Honda brand : ACURA
The luxury Honda brand is Acura because Acura is a division of Honda that focuses on producing upscale and high-performance vehicles.
Map out : PLAN
"Map out" is a phrase that means to create a plan or strategy. The word "plan" fits perfectly as the answer because it directly relates to the action of mapping out something.
Marry : SAY, “I DO”
Masonry mixture : MORTAR
"Masonry mixture" is a clue that indicates a substance used in building construction to bind materials like bricks or stones together. "MORTAR" is the correct answer because it is a type of paste made from cement, sand, and water that is used in masonry to hold building materials together.
Microdosing initials : LSD
The initials "LSD" stand for Lysergic acid diethylamide, a drug commonly associated with microdosing for its reported effects on creativity and focus.
Neat quality : TIDINESS
The answer "TIDINESS" fits the clue "Neat quality" because tidiness refers to being neat, orderly, and well-organized.
No. cruncher : CPA
The answer "CPA" is the right solution because a CPA is a certified public accountant, and accountants are known for crunching numbers.
No. cruncher : CPA
CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, who is a professional number cruncher.
Obscure stuff : ARCANA
"ARCANA" refers to secret or mysterious knowledge, making it a fitting answer for "obscure stuff."
Pt. of ETA : ARR
The answer "ARR" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for "arrival," which is a part of ETA (estimated time of arrival).
Pt. of ETA : ARR
The abbreviation "Pt." stands for "point" and "ETA" stands for "estimated time of arrival." Therefore, "Pt. of ETA" is asking for a point in time related to estimated arrival, which is "ARR" for "arrival."
Rival : FOE
The answer "VIE" is the right solution because it means to compete or contend with someone as a rival.
Rival : FOE
"Foe" is a synonym for "rival," as both terms refer to someone who competes against or opposes another person or group.
Rolls partner : ROYCE
The answer "ROYCE" is the right solution because "Rolls" refers to Rolls-Royce, a luxury car brand known for producing high-end vehicles. The clue is asking for the partner of Rolls, which is "Royce" in Rolls-Royce.
Sat : MET
"Sat" is the past tense of "sit." When someone "sits," they are in a seated position. "Met" is the past tense of "meet," which means to come together or encounter someone. So, "Met" is the correct answer as it is a past tense verb that fits the clue.
Scottish no : NAE
"Scottish no" is a clue looking for a Scottish way of saying "no." In Scottish dialect, "nae" is commonly used to mean "no," making it the correct answer.
See 5- : … TOP
The answer to "See 5-" is "... TOP" because when you combine the word "See" with the number 5, it forms the word "See" followed by the word "TOP," which is a common phrase meaning to look at something or someone's upper part.
Shady trees : ELMS
Elms are known for their tall and shady canopy, making them a common choice for providing shade in parks and along streets. Therefore, "Shady trees" can be correctly answered with "ELMS."
Singer Jay known as the “King of Mandopop” : CHOU
The singer Jay Chou is known as the "King of Mandopop," making "CHOU" the correct answer for the clue.
Sports bra fabric : LYCRA
LYCRA is a common fabric used in sports bras because of its stretchiness and ability to provide support during physical activity.
Spy-fi side : USSR
Starpilot and smuggler Solo : HAN
Han Solo is a character in the Star Wars franchise, known as a starpilot and smuggler. "HAN" is the first part of his name and fits the clue.
Strategic : TACTICAL
The word "strategic" is often associated with planning for the long term, while "tactical" is more about short-term planning and execution. In this context, "tactical" is a synonym for "strategic," making it the right answer.
Stretch, as one’s neck : CRANE
The word "crane" can refer to both the machine used for stretching or extending, and the bird known for its long neck. So, "stretch, as one's neck" can be interpreted as "crane."
Summertime chore, or an apt title for this puzzle : AC INSTALLATION
The answer "AC INSTALLATION" fits the clue because installing an air conditioner is a common summertime chore, and it also serves as an appropriate title for the puzzle as it relates to the theme of the crossword.
Synthesizer brand : CASIO
The answer is "CASIO" because Casio is a well-known brand that produces synthesizers.
Tell off : SCOLD
The answer "SCOLD" fits the clue "Tell off" because it means to reprimand or criticize someone for their behavior.
Tell off : SCOLD
"Tell off" is a phrase that means to reprimand or scold someone. Therefore, the answer "SCOLD" fits perfectly as it means to criticize or rebuke someone angrily.
Ulaanbaatar’s locale : ASIA
The clue is asking for the location of Ulaanbaatar, which is the capital city of Mongolia. Mongolia is a country located in Asia, making "ASIA" the correct answer.
What people waiting in a long line might do? : ACCOST CUTTERS
unknown
What people who eschew online banking might do? : ACCLAIM CHECKS
The answer "ACCLAIM CHECKS" is a play on words, as people who eschew online banking might choose to write physical checks for payments instead. "Acclaim" can mean praise or approval, so in this context, it suggests that these physical checks are being used and recognized for payment.
What poker chips might do? : ACCOMPANY CARDS
The answer "ACCOMPANY CARDS" fits the clue "What poker chips might do?" because poker chips are typically used to accompany and play with cards in a game of poker.
With 5-Down, summer shirt : TANK …
The answer to "With 5-Down, summer shirt" is "TANK" because when you combine it with the clue from 5-Down, which is "Top", you get "TANK TOP", which is a type of summer shirt.
Woeful sigh : ALAS
The word "alas" is often used to express sorrow or regret, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Woeful sigh."
Woodwind played by Andy Mackay of Roxy Music : OBOE
Andy Mackay is known for playing the oboe in the band Roxy Music, making "OBOE" the correct answer to the clue.
Young boy : LAD
"LAD" is a common term used to refer to a young boy or a young man, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Young boy."
__ and aahs : OOHS
The answer to "__ and aahs" is "OOHS" because "oohs" is a common expression used to convey excitement, admiration, or astonishment. It fits perfectly with the clue, which is asking for a phrase that represents the sounds people make when they are impressed or fascinated.
__ and aahs : OOHS
The phrase "__ and aahs" refers to sounds of amazement or admiration, typically made by a crowd. The answer "OOHS" represents the sound "oohs" which is often used in this context.
__ Spunkmeyer : OTIS
"Otis Spunkmeyer" is a well-known brand of cookies, making "OTIS" the correct answer to the clue "__ Spunkmeyer."
__ waste : TOXIC
The answer "TOXIC" fits the clue "__ waste" because toxic waste refers to harmful and dangerous waste materials that can cause serious health and environmental problems.
“Never hurts to __” : ASK
The phrase "Never hurts to ask" means that it is always a good idea to inquire or request information, as it may lead to a positive outcome. Therefore, the answer "ASK" fits the clue.
“Vice” Oscar nominee Amy : ADAMS
The answer is "ADAMS" because Amy Adams was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the movie "Vice."
“Wow, you almost dropped that!” : NICE SAVE!
The answer "NICE SAVE!" fits the clue because it is a common expression used when someone prevents a mistake or accident at the last moment, like almost dropping something.