Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 20 October 2023, 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.
2023 role for Ryan, Simu, Kingsley, and others : KEN
A bit steep : PRICY
The word "pricy" means expensive, and when something is described as "a bit steep," it implies that it is costly. Therefore, "pricy" is the right answer to the clue "A bit steep."
Actress Hedren : TIPPI
The answer to "Actress Hedren" is "TIPPI" because Tippi Hedren is an American actress known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock's film "The Birds."
Arthur who authored “A Hard Road to Glory” : ASHE
The answer is "ASHE" because Arthur Ashe is the author of the book "A Hard Road to Glory."
Bhagavad-__ : GITA
The answer to "Bhagavad-__" is "GITA" because the Bhagavad Gita is a sacred Hindu scripture that is often referred to simply as the "Gita."
Board VIP : EXEC
The answer "EXEC" is short for "executive," which is a common abbreviation for a high-ranking corporate official or board member. Therefore, "Board VIP" refers to an executive, making "EXEC" the correct answer.
Book end, perhaps : INDEX
The answer to "Book end, perhaps" is "INDEX" because an index is typically found at the end of a book, providing a list of keywords and their corresponding page numbers.
Breezy goodbye : CIAO
The answer to "Breezy goodbye" is "CIAO" because "CIAO" is an Italian word commonly used as a casual way to say goodbye. It fits the clue perfectly as it conveys the sense of a lighthearted and informal farewell.
Caribbean island with the Pitons : ST LUCIA
The answer to "Caribbean island with the Pitons" is "ST LUCIA" because St. Lucia is a Caribbean island known for its iconic twin peaks called the Pitons.
Chocolate brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway : SEE’S Down 1 Question of permission
The answer to "Chocolate brand owned by Berkshire Hathaway" is "SEE’S" because SEE’S is a well-known chocolate brand that is indeed owned by Berkshire Hathaway.
Dark side of a notable pair : YIN
The answer "YIN" refers to the dark side of the notable pair in the concept of Yin and Yang. In Chinese philosophy, Yin represents darkness, femininity, and passivity, while Yang represents light, masculinity, and activity. Therefore, "YIN" is the correct solution for the clue.
Deception : LIE
The answer to "Deception" is "LIE" because a lie is a deliberate false statement or action intended to deceive someone.
Deception : LIE
The answer "SCAM" is the right solution because it is a word commonly associated with deception.
Deception : SCAM
The answer to "Deception" is "LIE" because a lie is a deliberate false statement or action intended to deceive someone.
Deception : SCAM
The answer "SCAM" is the right solution because it is a word commonly associated with deception.
Encouraging start : ATTA …
The answer "ATTA" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the word "atta boy" or "atta girl," which are encouraging phrases used to commend someone for a good start or effort.
Exempli gratia, e.g. : LATIN
The answer "LATIN" is the right solution because "Exempli gratia" is a Latin phrase that means "for example" or "e.g." in English. Therefore, "LATIN" is the word that represents the language from which the phrase originates.
Finishes : ENDS
The word "finishes" is a verb that suggests coming to an end or completing something. The word "ends" is a synonym for finishes, as it means reaching the conclusion or termination of an activity or process. Therefore, "ENDS" is the right answer to the clue "Finishes."
Flat-iron brand : CHI
The answer "CHI" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand of flat-irons commonly used for hair styling.
Game, __, match : SET
The answer is "SET" because in the context of a game, "set" refers to a complete unit or round. So, when we say "game, __, match," we are referring to the sequence of events in a game, where "set" fits perfectly.
Game, __, match : SET
The phrase "Game, __, match" is commonly used in tennis to indicate the end of a match. In tennis, a match is made up of sets, so the correct answer is "SET."
Goes after a fly : SWATS
The word "SWATS" is the right solution because it means to hit or strike at a fly, which is what the clue is asking for.
Goes deep : PLUNGES
The word "plunges" is the right solution because it means to go deep or to dive quickly and forcefully into something.
Groceries carrier : BAG
The answer "BAG" is the right solution because when we go grocery shopping, we often carry our groceries in a bag.
Ilsa __ : “Casablanca” heroine
The answer to "Ilsa __" is "“Casablanca” heroine" because Ilsa is the name of the female lead character in the classic film "Casablanca".
Just scrape (out) : EKE
The word "eke" means to just barely scrape or manage to get by. In this context, "just scrape (out)" implies doing something with great difficulty or barely achieving it. Therefore, "eke" is the right solution for this crossword clue.
Like some larb : LAO
The answer to "Like some larb" is "LAO" because larb is a traditional dish from Laos. So, the word "LAO" describes the origin or nationality of the larb dish.
Lob : TOSS
The word "lob" is a clue that suggests a soft, high throw. The answer "TOSS" fits this clue because it means to throw something lightly and casually, which matches the action of lobbing.
Machines used on a peacock farm? : FEATHER PLOWS
"FEATHER PLOWS" is the right solution because peacock feathers are often used in various industries, including fashion and crafts. The term "plows" suggests a tool or machine used for farming, and in this case, it refers to the machines used to harvest or collect feathers from peacocks on a farm.
Maestro Zubin : MEHTA
The answer to "Maestro Zubin" is "MEHTA" because Zubin Mehta is a renowned conductor and maestro in the world of classical music.
Maestro Zubin : MEHTA
"Maestro Zubin" is a clue that is referring to Zubin Mehta, an Indian conductor of Western classical music. Therefore, the answer to this clue is "MEHTA."
Many a “Veep” role : AIDE
The answer "AIDE" is the right solution because in the TV show "Veep," many characters hold the role of an aide to the main character, the Vice President.
Marshall McLuhan focus : MEDIA
The answer "MEDIA" is the right solution because Marshall McLuhan was a Canadian philosopher and communication theorist who famously coined the phrase "the medium is the message." He focused on studying the impact of different forms of media on society and how they shape our perception of reality. Therefore, "MEDIA" accurately represents McLuhan's area of expertise.
Not allow to expire : RENEW
The word "renew" means to extend the validity or duration of something, such as a contract or subscription. In the context of the clue "Not allow to expire," "renew" fits perfectly as it suggests the action of preventing something from coming to an end or expiring.
Ore-Ida offering : TOT
The answer "TOT" is the right solution for the clue "Ore-Ida offering" because Ore-Ida is a well-known brand that produces frozen Tater Tots, which are small potato snacks.
Org. with sponsored Medicare plans : AARP
The answer to the clue "Org. with sponsored Medicare plans" is "AARP" because AARP, also known as the American Association of Retired Persons, offers sponsored Medicare plans for its members.
Peak near Catania : ETNA
The answer is "ETNA" because it is a well-known peak near the city of Catania in Sicily, Italy.
Performed a saut de chat, e.g. : LEAPT
The clue "Performed a saut de chat, e.g." is asking for a word that describes the action of doing a saut de chat. "Leapt" is the correct answer because it means to jump or spring forcefully, which is what a saut de chat is.
Philip Marlowe genre : NOIR
The term "noir" refers to a genre of crime fiction, often characterized by a dark and cynical tone. Philip Marlowe is a fictional detective created by author Raymond Chandler, and his stories are known for embodying the noir genre. Therefore, "NOIR" is the right answer for the crossword clue.
Picnic snack that appears to have picnic invaders : ANTS ON A LOG
The answer "ANTS ON A LOG" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Picnic snack that appears to have picnic invaders." "ANTS" refers to the small insects that are often found at picnics, while "ON A LOG" refers to the way the snack is prepared, with ants (raisins or other small toppings) placed on a log-like base (a celery stick or other similar ingredient).
Pig pad : STY
The answer to "Pig pad" is "STY" because a sty is a small enclosure or pen where pigs are kept.
Piggy bank addition : COIN
The answer to "Piggy bank addition" is "COIN" because coins are commonly added to piggy banks as a form of savings.
Poker variety : STUD
HOLD 'EM is a popular variation of poker in which each player is dealt two cards and then uses a combination of their own cards and five community cards to make the best possible hand.
Poker variety : STUD
The answer is "STUD" because it is a well-known poker variety where players are dealt a combination of face-up and face-down cards.
Poker variety : STUD
The answer "DRAW" is the right solution because it is a variety of poker game where players are dealt a complete hand and then can choose to replace some of their cards with new ones from the deck.
Prof’s email ender : EDU
The answer to "Prof's email ender" is "EDU" because it is a common abbreviation for educational institutions, typically used in email addresses for professors.
Pronoun option : SHE
The answer to "Pronoun option" is "SHE" because it is one of the pronouns used to refer to a female person.
Pronoun option : SHE
The pronoun "her" is a valid option because it is commonly used to refer to a female person or object.
Really hot person in the cockpit? : MELTING PILOT
The answer "MELTING PILOT" is a play on words. "Really hot person" refers to someone who is physically attractive, but in this clue, it is used in a literal sense. "Melting" suggests extreme heat, and "pilot" refers to a person in the cockpit of an aircraft. Therefore, "MELTING PILOT" is the right solution as it combines the literal interpretation of "really hot person" with the word "pilot" to create a humorous and fitting answer.
Recipient of a half-hearted gift? : BFF
The answer "BFF" stands for "Best Friend Forever". In the clue, "half-hearted gift" suggests that the gift is not fully sincere or genuine. Therefore, the recipient of a half-hearted gift would likely be someone who is not a close or true friend, but rather an acquaintance or someone less significant in the giver's life. In contrast, a best friend is someone who is usually the recipient of heartfelt and meaningful gifts, making "BFF" the appropriate answer.
Relax : LOLL
"Relax!" is an informal expression that means to calm down or take it easy. "COOLIT" is a colloquial phrase that means the same thing. Therefore, "COOLIT" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Relax!"
Relax : LOLL
The answer "LOLL" is the right solution for the clue "Relax" because "loll" means to recline or lounge in a relaxed or lazy way.
Relax : LOLL
The answer "CHILL" is the right solution because it is a common slang term that means to relax or take it easy.
Requires : ENTAILS
The word "requires" is a synonym of "obliges", which means to make it necessary for someone to do something. Therefore, "obliges" is the right solution for the clue "Requires".
Requires : ENTAILS
The word "requires" suggests that something is necessary or needed. The answer "NEEDS" fits this description perfectly as it means to require or have a necessity for something.
Requires : ENTAILS
The word "requires" is a clue indicating that something is needed or demanded. The answer "ENTAILS" fits because it means to involve or necessitate, which aligns with the idea of something being required.
Requires : ENTAILS
"Requires" is a verb that means to need or demand something. The word "NEEDS" is a synonym for "requires," making it the right solution for this crossword clue.
Reusable 5-Down : TOTE
The answer to "Reusable 5-Down" is "TOTE" because a tote is a type of bag that is designed to be used multiple times.
Ruckuses : DINS
The answer "DINS" is the right solution for the clue "Ruckuses" because "DINS" refers to loud and disruptive noises or commotions, which is synonymous with ruckuses.
Rural road : LANE
The answer to "Rural road" is "LANE" because a lane typically refers to a narrow road in a rural or countryside area.
Say “neener neener,” say : TAUNT
The word "neener neener" is often used to taunt or mock someone, so the answer "TAUNT" fits perfectly as it means to provoke or tease someone.
Sch. with a Twin Cities campus : U OF M
The answer "U OF M" stands for the University of Minnesota, which is a school with a Twin Cities campus.
Small salad and half a sandwich, say : LIGHT LUNCH
The clue "Small salad and half a sandwich, say" suggests a combination of food items that make up a light meal. The answer "LIGHT LUNCH" perfectly fits this description as it refers to a meal that is not heavy or substantial.
So much : A TON
The phrase "so much" is often used to convey a large quantity or amount, which is synonymous with "a ton." Therefore, "A TON" is the right solution for the clue "So much."
Soft side? : MASH
The answer "MASH" is the right solution because "soft" refers to the softness of the food, and "side" refers to the side dish. In this case, "MASH" is a soft side dish made by mashing potatoes or other vegetables.
Son of Seth : ENOS
The answer "ENOS" is the right solution because in the Bible, Enos is mentioned as the son of Seth.
Staple legumes, or parsed differently, what 16- and 24- did for 51- and 63- : LENTILS or LENT “IL”S
The clue is asking for a word that can be parsed differently to create two phrases. The first phrase is "what 16- and 24- did," and the second phrase is "for 51- and 63-." The answer "LENTILS" can be parsed differently as "LENT 'IL' S." The word "IL" can be interpreted as "did" in the first phrase, and "S" can be interpreted as "for" in the second phrase. Therefore, "LENTILS or LENT 'IL' S" fits the clue.
Story with a lesson : FABLE
The answer to "Story with a lesson" is "FABLE" because a fable is a short story that teaches a moral or lesson.
Tahiti sweetie : AMIE
The answer "AMIE" is the right solution because "Tahiti sweetie" is a clue indicating that we are looking for a term of endearment or a sweet name. "Amie" is a French word meaning "friend" or "sweetheart," which fits the clue perfectly.
Tit for tat, maybe : TYPO
The answer to "Tit for tat, maybe" is "TYPO" because a typo is a small mistake in writing or typing that can be seen as a response or retaliation for someone else's mistake.
To, the contrary : FRO
The word "FRO" is the right solution because it is a short form of the word "from" spelled backwards, which means "to the contrary."
Tylenol target : PAIN
Tylenol is a pain reliever, and the most common reason people take pain relievers is to alleviate aches in their body. Therefore, the answer to "Tylenol target" is "ACHE".
Tylenol target : PAIN
The clue "Tylenol target" indicates that we are looking for a word that describes something that Tylenol is used to treat. "ACHE" is the right answer because Tylenol is a pain reliever and is commonly used to treat headaches, body aches, and other types of pain.
Tylenol target : PAIN
The answer to "Tylenol target" is "PAIN" because Tylenol is a pain relief medication commonly used to alleviate various types of pain.
Uncomfortable sensation : ITCH
The answer "ITCH" is the right solution because an itch is an uncomfortable sensation that typically causes a desire to scratch.
Uncomfortable sensation : ITCH
The word "ache" fits the clue "uncomfortable sensation" because an ache is a dull or persistent pain that can cause discomfort.
Uncomfortable sensation : ACHE
The answer "ITCH" is the right solution because an itch is an uncomfortable sensation that typically causes a desire to scratch.
Uncomfortable sensation : ACHE
The word "ache" fits the clue "uncomfortable sensation" because an ache is a dull or persistent pain that can cause discomfort.
Understood : KNEW
The answer "I SEE" is the right solution to the clue "Understood" because it is a common phrase used to indicate comprehension or understanding.
Understood : KNEW
The term "TEN-FOUR" is a commonly used phrase in radio communication, especially by truckers and emergency services. It means "message received and understood." Therefore, "TENFOUR" is the right answer to the clue "Understood."
Understood : KNEW
The answer "KNEW" fits the clue "Understood" because it means having knowledge or awareness of something.
Understood : KNEW
The answer "CLEAR?" is a play on words, as "clear" can mean both "understood" and "easy to see through."
Understood : KNEW
The answer "I SEE" is a common phrase used to indicate understanding or comprehension. It is a casual way of acknowledging that you have understood something.
Understood : KNEW
"GOT" is a common informal way of saying "understood" or "comprehended" in casual conversation. It is a simple and concise response indicating that the message has been understood.
Understood : KNEW
"Roger" is a word used in radio communication to indicate that a message has been received and understood. It is a common phrase in military and aviation contexts.
Understood : KNEW
"I SEE" is a common expression used to indicate understanding or comprehension, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Understood."
Uses Photoshop : EDITS
The answer "EDITS" fits the clue "Uses Photoshop" because one of the main functions of Photoshop is to edit and manipulate images.
Vocal quality : TONE
The answer "TONE" is the right solution because vocal quality refers to the sound or timbre of a person's voice, and "TONE" is a word that specifically describes the quality of sound produced by the voice.
Vocal quality : TONE
The answer "TONE" is the right solution because it refers to the quality or character of someone's voice. It directly matches the clue "Vocal quality."
Window section : PANE
The answer to "Window section" is "PANE" because a pane is a single sheet of glass within a window frame.
Wooden model of an Italian city? : STICK MILAN
"STICK MILAN" is the right solution because it is a play on words. A "stick" is a type of wooden model, and "Milan" is an Italian city. So, "STICK MILAN" is a clever way of describing a wooden model of an Italian city.
Word with blood or moon : BLUE …
The word "blue" can be combined with "blood" to form the phrase "blue blood," which refers to someone who is of noble or aristocratic heritage. Similarly, it can be combined with "moon" to form the phrase "blue moon," which refers to the occurrence of a second full moon in a calendar month. Therefore, "blue" is the correct answer to the clue.
__ bunny : DUST
The answer to "__ bunny" is "DUST" because dust bunnies are small clumps of dust that accumulate in corners or under furniture.
“Alert : Yo-Yo’s here!”?
“Alert : Yo-Yo’s here!”?
The answer "ON THE BALL" is the right solution for the clue "Alert" because it means being attentive, quick, and responsive, which perfectly matches the idea of being alert.
“Alert : Yo-Yo’s here!”?
The answer to "Alert" is "WARN" because to warn someone is to give them notice or make them aware of a potential danger or problem.
“Alert : Yo-Yo’s here!”?
The word "warn" is a synonym for "alert," as it means to inform or advise someone about a possible danger or problem.
“Go get it,” to a dog : FETCH
The answer is "FETCH" because it is a common command given to dogs to go and retrieve an object.
“I’m all __” : EARS
The phrase "I'm all ears" is a common expression meaning that someone is fully listening or paying attention. In this crossword clue, "EARS" fits perfectly as it completes the phrase and represents the idea of being attentive.
“I’m all __” : EARS
The phrase "I'm all ears" means to be eager and ready to listen, making "EARS" the right answer.
“Live it up!” : HAVE FUN!
The phrase "Live it up!" is an idiomatic expression that means to enjoy oneself or have a great time. The answer "HAVE FUN!" perfectly captures the meaning of the clue, making it the right solution.