Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 19 October 2023, Thursday. 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.
1990s series starring David Cross and Bob Odenkirk : MR SHOW
The answer is "MR SHOW" because it was a popular comedy series in the 1990s that starred David Cross and Bob Odenkirk.
55-’s country : Abbr.
The answer to "55-'s country" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, indicating that the answer should be a shortened form of a country's name.
Abate : EBB
The answer to "Abate" is "LESSEN" because "abate" means to become less intense or to decrease, which is synonymous with "lessen." The word "each" is a clue for the letter "E" in the answer.
Abate : EBB
The word "ebb" means to decrease or become less intense, which is synonymous with "abate." Therefore, "ebb" is the right answer to the clue "abate."
Abate : EBB
The word "abate" means to become less intense or to decrease. The word "lessen" is a synonym for "abate," as it also means to reduce or diminish. Therefore, "lessen" is the right solution for the clue "abate."
Big name in bananas : DOLE
The answer to "Big name in bananas" is "DOLE" because Dole is a well-known brand that produces and distributes bananas worldwide.
Boor : CHURL
The answer "CHURL" is the right solution for the clue "Boor" because a churl refers to a rude or ill-mannered person.
Cancels, as a launch : ABORTS
The word "aborts" is the right answer because it means to cancel or stop a launch before it takes place.
Capital once called Christiania : OSLO
The answer to "Capital once called Christiania" is "OSLO" because Christiania was the former name of the capital city of Norway, which is now known as Oslo.
Car rental choice : SEDAN Down 1 Icy Hot target
The answer to "Car rental choice" is "SEDAN" because a sedan is a popular type of car that is commonly available for rental.
Classic grape soda : NEHI
The answer "NEHI" is the right solution because NEHI is a classic brand of grape soda.
Cond. once called shell shock : PTSD
The answer "PTSD" is the right solution because it stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a condition that was once called shell shock.
Curved fastener : U-BOLT
The answer "U-BOLT" is the right solution because it is a curved fastener that is shaped like the letter "U".
Darn : MEND
The word "crud" is an interjection used to express disappointment or frustration, similar to "darn!" or "drat!" Therefore, it is a suitable answer for the crossword clue ""Darn!""
Darn : MEND
The answer "DRAT!" fits the clue "Darn!" because it is an exclamation used to express annoyance or frustration, similar to the word "Darn!" itself.
Darn : MEND
The word "darn" is often used as a synonym for "mend" in the context of repairing or fixing something, especially fabric or clothing. Therefore, "mend" is the correct solution for the crossword clue "Darn."
Dashboard Confessional genre : EMO
The answer "EMO" is the right solution because Dashboard Confessional is a band known for playing emotional and introspective music, which falls under the genre of Emo.
Develop mold, say : GO BAD
The answer "GO BAD" is the right solution because when something develops mold, it means that it has gone bad or spoiled.
Dory mover : OAR
The answer "OAR" is the right solution because a dory is a small, flat-bottomed boat that is typically propelled by rowing with oars.
Dory pal : NEMO
The answer to "Dory pal" is "NEMO" because Nemo is the name of the clownfish character who is Dory's friend in the movie "Finding Nemo".
Fender accessory : AMP
The answer to "Fender accessory" being "AMP" is because an amp, short for amplifier, is a common accessory used with Fender guitars to enhance and amplify their sound.
Fielder’s need : GLOVE
The answer "GLOVE" is the right solution to the clue "Fielder's need" because fielders use gloves to catch and handle the ball while playing baseball or softball.
Fielder’s need : GLOVE
A fielder uses a mitt to catch the ball, making "MITT" the right answer for "Fielder's need."
Film critic Roger : EBERT
The answer to "Film critic Roger" is "EBERT" because Roger Ebert was a well-known and influential film critic, particularly for his work as a critic for the Chicago Sun-Times.
Film critic Roger : EBERT
Roger Ebert was a famous film critic known for his work on the television show "Siskel & Ebert." He was well-known in the industry and widely recognized by his last name "EBERT" in crossword puzzles.
Flip : INVERT
The word "flip" suggests a change in orientation or position. "Invert" means to turn something upside down or reverse its position, making it a suitable answer for the clue.
Garage convenience : DOOR OPENER
The answer "DOOR OPENER" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Garage convenience" because a door opener is a device that allows you to open and close the garage door with ease.
Gas up? : BLOAT
The answer "BLOAT" is the right solution for the clue "Gas up?" because when something gasses up, it expands or becomes bloated.
Get even with? : TIE
The answer "TIE" is the right solution because when you "get even" with someone, you are tying the score or reaching a tie.
Guard aggressively, and an apt description of 18-, 24-, 38-, and 50- : DOUBLE-TEAM and DOUBLE TEAM
The answer "DOUBLE-TEAM and DOUBLE TEAM" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Guard aggressively, and an apt description of 18-, 24-, 38-, and 50-". "Double-team" is a term used in basketball when two defenders guard a single offensive player aggressively. Additionally, the words "DOUBLE-TEAM" and "DOUBLE TEAM" fit the given number of letters for the corresponding crossword entries at positions 18, 24, 38, and 50.
Helpful item when it’s time to bounce? : TRAMPOLINE
The answer "TRAMPOLINE" is the right solution because it is an item that is commonly used for bouncing. It fits the clue "Helpful item when it's time to bounce" perfectly.
Horned herbivore : RHINO
The answer "RHINO" is the right solution because a rhinoceros is a horned herbivore. Rhinos have a horn on their nose and they primarily eat plants, making them a perfect fit for the clue.
Improvise : AD-LIB
The answer "AD-LIB" is the right solution because it means to improvise or speak or perform without preparation. It fits the clue perfectly.
Kicks with swooshes : NIKES
The answer "NIKES" is the right solution because "Kicks" is a slang term for sneakers or athletic shoes, and "swooshes" refers to the iconic Nike logo, which is a swoosh. Therefore, "Kicks with swooshes" is a clever way of hinting at the brand name "NIKES."
Kwik Seal maker : DAP
The answer "DAP" is the right solution because DAP is a well-known brand that produces Kwik Seal, a popular adhesive and sealant product.
Layered dessert : TORTE
The answer to "Layered dessert" is "TORTE" because a torte is a type of dessert that is typically made with multiple layers of cake or pastry.
Layered dessert : TORTE
A torte is a type of layered dessert made with rich ingredients like nuts, chocolate, or fruit. It fits the clue "Layered dessert" perfectly.
Like most Ken dolls : BLOND
The answer is "BLOND" because most Ken dolls are depicted with blonde hair.
Make good as new : HEAL
The word "heal" means to make something good as new, typically referring to the process of restoring health or repairing damage.
Make good as new : HEAL
"Restore" means to bring something back to its original condition or state, making it good as new. In this case, the clue "Make good as new" is a direct hint that aligns with the definition of "restore."
Meat and potatoes, often : ENTREE
The answer to "Meat and potatoes, often" is "ENTREE" because an entree is a main course dish that typically includes meat and potatoes.
Mineral deposits : ORES
The answer "ORES" is the right solution because mineral deposits are often found in the form of ores, which are naturally occurring rocks or minerals that contain valuable elements or minerals that can be extracted for industrial use.
Mineral deposits : ORES
The term "ores" refers to mineral deposits that can be mined and processed to extract valuable metals or minerals. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "mineral deposits" typically points to the word "ores" due to its association with mining and extraction of valuable materials.
Mos. and mos. : YRS
The clue "Mos. and mos." is a shortened form of "Months and months." The abbreviation "Mos." stands for "months" and "YRS" is the abbreviation for "years." Therefore, "YRS" is the correct answer that matches the clue.
Mos. and mos. : YRS
The abbreviation "Mos." stands for months, and "mos." stands for more. Therefore, "Mos. and mos." together represent the abbreviation for years, which is "YRS."
Musical equivalent of two whole notes : BREVE
The musical equivalent of two whole notes is a breve because a breve is a note in music notation that represents a long duration, typically twice the length of a whole note. Therefore, "breve" is the correct answer.
Next in line : HEIR
The answer "HEIR" is the right solution because an heir is someone who is next in line to receive property or a title after the current holder passes away.
Next in line : HEIR
"Heir" is the right solution because an heir is someone who is next in line to inherit something, typically property or a title, from a family member.
Oscar winner Guinness : ALEC
The answer to "Oscar winner Guinness" is "ALEC" because Alec Guinness was a British actor who won an Academy Award (Oscar) for his role in the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1958.
Oscar winner Guinness : ALEC
The answer to "Oscar winner Guinness" is "ALEC" because Alec Guinness was a British actor who won an Academy Award (Oscar) for his role in the movie "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1958.
Oscar winner Guinness : ALEC
The answer "ALEC" fits the clue "Oscar winner Guinness" because Alec Guinness was an actor who won an Academy Award (Oscar).
Participate in a meting? : ALLOT
The answer "ALLOT" is the right solution because it means to distribute or assign something, which is what you do in a meeting - you allocate tasks or responsibilities.
Principal pal : BESTIE
The answer "BESTIE" fits the clue "Principal pal" because a bestie is someone who is very close and important to you, like a principal pal or a best friend.
Promise : SWEAR
The answer "SWEAR" is the right solution because it means to make a promise or give an assurance.
Puffin kin : AUK
The answer to "Puffin kin" is "AUK" because the Auk is a bird species that is closely related to the puffin.
Religious divisions : SECTS
The answer "SECTS" is the right solution because it refers to different religious groups or divisions within a larger religious body.
River rompers : OTTERS
The answer to "River rompers" is "OTTERS" because otters are known for playing and frolicking in rivers.
Set of promotional materials : MEDIA KIT
The answer "MEDIA KIT" is the right solution because a media kit is a collection of promotional materials, such as press releases, photos, and company information, that is provided to journalists and media outlets. It is commonly used to promote a product, event, or organization.
Sheep in the “Wallace and Gromit” franchise : SHAUN
The answer to "Sheep in the 'Wallace and Gromit' franchise" is "SHAUN" because Shaun is the name of the main sheep character in the animated films and TV series created by Nick Park.
Ski town outside Salt Lake City : ALTA
The answer "ALTA" is the right solution because Alta is a well-known ski town located just outside Salt Lake City in Utah.
Snoozer : BORE
The word "snoozer" is a term used to describe something or someone that is boring or uninteresting. The word "bore" is a synonym for "snoozer," making it the right solution for this crossword clue.
Souped-up ride : HOT ROD
The term "souped-up" refers to a vehicle that has been modified or enhanced for better performance. A "hot rod" is a type of souped-up ride, typically an old car that has been customized to have a powerful engine and other performance upgrades. Therefore, "HOT ROD" is the correct answer that fits the clue.
Sport with takedowns, for short : MMA
The answer is "MMA" because it stands for Mixed Martial Arts, which is a sport that involves various fighting techniques, including takedowns.
Square in a yard : SOD
The answer to "Square in a yard" is "SOD" because a sod is a square-shaped piece of grass or turf that is commonly used to cover the ground in a yard.
Statutes : LAWS
The answer "LAWS" is the right solution because statutes are laws that are enacted by a legislative body. They are rules or regulations that are formally written and enforced by the government.
Step in the shower? : RINSE
The answer to "Step in the shower?" is "RINSE" because when you step into the shower, one of the steps involved is rinsing your body with water.
Step in the shower? : RINSE
The answer "RINSE" fits the clue "Step in the shower?" because one of the steps in taking a shower is rinsing off with water.
Surpluses : GLUTS
The answer to "Surpluses" is "GLUTS" because "gluts" refers to an excessive or abundant supply of something, which fits the clue "surpluses" perfectly.
Tamale dough : MASA
The answer to "Tamale dough" is "MASA" because MASA is the traditional dough used to make tamales.
Tats : INK
The word "INK" is the right answer because it is commonly used as a slang term for tattoos.
Tats : INK
The answer "INK" is a common slang term for tattoos, often referred to as "tats."
Toy truck brand : TONKA
The answer is "TONKA" because it is a well-known brand of toy trucks.
Virtual people in a video game : SIMS
The answer is "SIMS" because it refers to a popular video game franchise called "The Sims," where players create and control virtual people.
Where to find bands on bands : RADIO
The answer "RADIO" is the right solution because it is a common place where you can find bands playing music.
Whooping __ : CRANE
The answer to "Whooping __" is "CRANE" because a crane is a type of bird known for its distinctive loud and whooping call.
Wilder role : WONKA
The answer to "Wilder role" being "WONKA" is because Gene Wilder famously portrayed the character Willy Wonka in the movie "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
Woodstock supergroup, briefly : CSNY
The answer "CSNY" is the right solution because it stands for Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, who were a supergroup that performed at the Woodstock music festival.
Works as a decoy vendor? : HAWKS DUCKS
The answer "HAWKS DUCKS" is the right solution because it plays on the wordplay of "Hawks" and "Ducks." In this context, "Hawks" refers to someone who sells or promotes something aggressively, while "Ducks" is a term used to describe decoys. Therefore, "Hawks Ducks" cleverly suggests someone who works as a decoy vendor.
Works as a fast-food cook? : BROWNS NUGGETS
Works as a political consultant? : BILLS SENATORS
Works as a weatherperson? : BRAVES HURRICANES
World’s second-tallest bird : EMU
The answer to "World's second-tallest bird" is "EMU" because the Emu is the second-tallest bird in the world, after the Ostrich.
__ canto : BEL
The answer to "__ canto" is "BEL" because "canto" is an Italian word for "song" and "BEL" is the Italian word for "beautiful." In crossword clues, "BEL" is often used to refer to a beautiful song.
“Darn!” : DRAT!
The word "crud" is an interjection used to express disappointment or frustration, similar to "darn!" or "drat!" Therefore, it is a suitable answer for the crossword clue ""Darn!""
“Darn!” : DRAT!
The answer "DRAT!" fits the clue "Darn!" because it is an exclamation used to express annoyance or frustration, similar to the word "Darn!" itself.
“Darn!” : DRAT!
The word "darn" is often used as a synonym for "mend" in the context of repairing or fixing something, especially fabric or clothing. Therefore, "mend" is the correct solution for the crossword clue "Darn."
“Friday Night Lights” city : ODESSA
The answer is "ODESSA" because "Friday Night Lights" is a book and TV show that is set in Odessa, Texas.
“I feel you” : SAME HERE
The answer "SAME HERE" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to express agreement or understanding with someone else's feelings or experiences.
“You said it!” : AMEN!
The answer "AMEN!" fits the clue "You said it!" because "Amen" is a common exclamation used to express agreement or affirmation.
“You said it!” : AMEN!
The answer "YEAH!" fits the clue "You said it!" because it is a common informal way of agreeing or confirming something that has been said.
“You said it!” : AMEN!
The expression "Amen" is often used to show strong agreement or affirmation, similar to saying "You said it!" in response to something someone else has said.
“You said it!” : AMEN!
The phrase "You said it!" is often used to express strong agreement, similar to saying "Amen" in a religious context.