Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 21 October 2024, Monday. 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.
Airborne mystery : UFO
The answer "UFO" fits the clue "Airborne mystery" because UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Object, which is often associated with mysterious flying phenomena that are not readily explained.
Anthropomorphic : HUMANLIKE
"Anthropomorphic" means having human characteristics. "HUMANLIKE" is a synonym for anthropomorphic, as it describes something that resembles or is characteristic of a human.
Broadcast network : AIRER
The term "AIRER" refers to a network that broadcasts television or radio programs, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Broadcast network."
Change to fit in : ADAPT
"ADAPT" is the right solution because it means to change in order to fit in or adjust to new conditions or surroundings. In this context, the word "adapt" perfectly fits the clue "Change to fit in."
Change to fit in, perhaps : EDIT
The answer "EDIT" fits the clue "Change to fit in, perhaps" because editing involves making changes to something in order to make it fit or align with certain requirements or standards.
Chilean sea __ : BASS
The Chilean sea bass is a type of fish found in the waters of Chile, making "BASS" the correct answer to the clue "Chilean sea __".
Civil rights gp. since 1909 : NAACP
The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was founded in 1909 and is a well-known civil rights organization, making it the correct answer for the clue "Civil rights gp. since 1909."
Consumed : HAD
The crossword clue is "Consumed" and "EATEN" is the right answer because it means to have taken food into the body through the mouth.
Consumed : HAD
The word "consumed" is a synonym for "ate." Therefore, the answer to the clue is "ATE."
Consumed : HAD
The word "ate" is the past tense of "eat," which means to consume food. In this context, "consumed" is a synonym for "ate."
Consumed : HAD
"EATEN" is the right solution because it is a past participle of the verb "eat," which means to consume food.
Consumed : HAD
"HAD" can be a synonym for "consumed" in the context of using or ingesting something.
Consumed : HAD
Cooks quickly, as tuna : SEARS
"SEARS" is the right solution because it means to cook quickly at a high temperature, which is often done when preparing tuna.
Corporate executive’s perk : COMPANY CAR
The answer "COMPANY CAR" fits the clue "Corporate executive’s perk" because it is a common benefit provided to high-ranking employees by their company, allowing them to use a company-owned vehicle for both business and personal use.
Corrosive compounds : ACIDS
ACIDS are corrosive compounds that can react with and dissolve other materials, making it the right solution for the clue "Corrosive compounds".
Country south of Saudi Arabia : YEMEN
Yemen is the country located directly south of Saudi Arabia on the Arabian Peninsula.
CPR experts : EMTS
EMTs are Emergency Medical Technicians who are trained to provide emergency medical care, including CPR. Therefore, EMTs are considered CPR experts.
Crochet need : YARN
The answer "YARN" fits the clue "Crochet need" because yarn is the material used in crocheting to create fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a crochet hook.
Doc intended to protect confidentiality : NDA
The answer "NDA" stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is a legal document used to protect confidentiality.
Doc intended to protect confidentiality : NDA
The answer "NDA" stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is a legal document used to protect confidentiality between parties. In this clue, "Doc intended to protect confidentiality," the abbreviation "NDA" fits perfectly as it directly relates to the concept of protecting confidentiality.
Double-hyphenated digits, for short : SSNS
The answer "SSNS" stands for "Social Security Numbers," which are double-hyphenated digits.
Elevator direction : DOWN
The answer "DOWN" fits the clue "Elevator direction" because elevators can move both up and down, but when the elevator is descending, it is moving in the "DOWN" direction.
Employee badges, e.g., for short : IDS
The answer "IDS" is short for identification cards or badges, commonly referred to as IDs. It is a common abbreviation used in casual conversation and in crossword puzzles.
Events with sprints and relays : TRACK MEETS
The answer "TRACK MEETS" fits the clue because track meets are sporting events that involve sprints and relays, making it a suitable answer.
Ferret kin : STOAT
The answer to "Ferret kin" is "WEASEL" because weasels are closely related to ferrets, belonging to the same family of mammals called Mustelidae.
Ferret kin : STOAT
A stoat is a close relative to a ferret, both belonging to the Mustelidae family. This makes "STOAT" the right answer for the clue "Ferret kin."
Figures of speech : IDIOMS
"IDIOMS" are a type of figurative language that consists of expressions that have a meaning different from the literal interpretation of the words used. This fits the clue "Figures of speech."
Fixed gaze : STARE
The answer "STARE" fits the clue "Fixed gaze" because a stare is a focused and intense gaze that is unchanging or fixed on a particular object or person.
Flip, as a property : RESELL
The answer "RESELL" fits the clue because when you flip a property, you sell it again for a profit.
Gaping mouth : MAW
The word "MAW" is commonly used to describe a large, open mouth, often in an exaggerated or dramatic sense. It is a concise and fitting answer to the clue "Gaping mouth."
Gaping mouth : MAW
The word "maw" is often used to describe a gaping mouth, especially in a poetic or literary context. It is a synonym for mouth or jaws.
Go in one’s __ : replace
Half a score, or a perfect score : TEN
The phrase "Half a score" refers to ten, as a score is twenty. Therefore, "Half a score, or a perfect score" is a clue for the answer "TEN" as it represents both half a score and a perfect score.
Have another go at : RETRY
The answer "RETRY" fits the clue "Have another go at" because "retry" means to try again or have another attempt at something.
Is __ : probably will
JFK successor : LBJ
"LBJ" stands for Lyndon B. Johnson, who succeeded John F. Kennedy as the President of the United States after Kennedy's assassination.
Kilt wearer, often : SCOT
"SCOT" is the right solution because it refers to someone from Scotland, where kilts are traditionally worn.
Many a “Men in Black” character : ALIEN
The answer "ALIEN" fits the clue "Many a 'Men in Black' character" because in the movie series "Men in Black," the main characters are agents who monitor and regulate extraterrestrial activity on Earth, including interacting with many alien characters.
Memorial bio : OBIT
The answer "OBIT" is short for obituary, which is a written notice of a person's death, often including a brief biography.
Moves briskly : TROTS
"TROTS" is the right solution because it means to move at a brisk pace, faster than walking but slower than running. It fits the clue "Moves briskly" perfectly.
NBA star with the hit rap album “Shaq Diesel” : O’NEAL
Shaquille O’Neal is a former NBA star who released a rap album titled "Shaq Diesel." The clue is asking for the NBA star associated with this specific rap album, making "O’NEAL" the correct answer.
No-frills grocer based in Germany : ALDI
ALDI is a no-frills grocer based in Germany known for its low prices and limited selection of products.
Occur to : DAWN ON
"Dawn on" is a phrasal verb that means to suddenly realize or understand something. In this context, "occur to" and "dawn on" are synonymous, making "DAWN ON" the right answer.
On the __ : furtively
The answer to "On the __" is "DOT" because when you are "on the dot," it means you are punctual or exactly on time. The word "dot" represents a precise point or moment, making it the correct answer for this clue.
On the __ : furtively
The phrase "On the run" means to be constantly moving or fleeing from something, which is often associated with the word "running."
On the __ : furtively
The phrase "on the sly" means to do something furtively or secretly. "Furtively" is a synonym for "sly," making it the right solution.
Ordinary writing : PROSE
"PROSE" is the right answer because it refers to ordinary writing that is not in verse or poetry. It is the typical style of written language used in novels, essays, and everyday communication.
Over the top : EXTRA
The phrase "over the top" can mean excessive or extravagant, which are both synonyms for "extra."
Pebble, e.g. : STONE
"STONE" is the right answer because a pebble is a small, smooth stone typically found on beaches or in rivers.
Pebble, e.g. : STONE
The answer "ROCK" fits the clue "Pebble, e.g." because a pebble is a small piece of rock.
Pebble, e.g. : ROCK
"STONE" is the right answer because a pebble is a small, smooth stone typically found on beaches or in rivers.
Pebble, e.g. : ROCK
The answer "ROCK" fits the clue "Pebble, e.g." because a pebble is a small piece of rock.
Penn of “Harold & Kumar” films : KAL
The answer "KAL" is the right solution because it is the three-letter abbreviation for Kal Penn, the actor who played the character Kumar in the "Harold & Kumar" films.
Pickleball paths : ARCS
The answer "ARCS" fits the clue "Pickleball paths" because in pickleball, players hit the ball in a curved trajectory, which is known as an arc.
Pink Floyd co-founder Barrett : SYD
Syd Barrett was a co-founder of the band Pink Floyd, so "Syd" is the right answer.
Poetic sphere : ORB
"Orb" is a poetic term often used to refer to the sphere or globe, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Poetic sphere."
Porkpie’s place, perhaps : HAT RACK
The clue "Porkpie's place, perhaps" is a wordplay clue where "Porkpie" hints at a type of hat and "place" suggests a location for that item. A hat rack is a common place to store hats, making "HAT RACK" the correct answer.
Portly, or porter : STOUT
"Stout" can mean both portly in terms of a person's physique and also a type of dark beer called porter. Thus, "Portly, or porter" is a clever clue hinting at the word "STOUT" as the answer.
Precarious plan, metaphorically : HOUSE OF CARDS
The phrase "house of cards" is a metaphor for a precarious situation or plan that could easily collapse, just like a structure made of playing cards.
Punch combo : ONE-TWO
The answer "ONE-TWO" is a common term in boxing for a quick combination of punches, usually a jab followed by a cross. It fits the clue "Punch combo" perfectly.
Sinus MD : ENT
"ENT" stands for Ear, Nose, and Throat, which are the areas of specialty for a Sinus MD, also known as an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor.
Slim Jim product : BEEF JERKY
The answer "BEEF JERKY" fits the clue "Slim Jim product" because Slim Jim is a popular brand known for its beef jerky products.
Slugger Judge who was the 2017 AL Rookie of the Year : AARON
Aaron Judge is a famous baseball player who won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year award in 2017. He is known for his powerful hitting, earning him the nickname "Slugger Judge."
Small lumps : NODULES
"NODULES" are small lumps typically found in various parts of the body, such as the thyroid or lungs. In this context, "Small lumps" is a clue that directly points to the answer "NODULES."
Smallish batteries : AAS
The crossword clue is "Smallish batteries" and the answer "AAS" is correct because AA batteries are larger than AAs, and AAs are smaller in size.
Smallish batteries : AAS
The answer "AAS" is the right solution because "AAS" refers to smallish batteries commonly used in electronic devices such as remote controls or small toys.
Smallish batteries : AAS
The answer "AAS" is the right solution because "AA" batteries are smallish batteries commonly used in household electronics, and "AAS" is the plural form of "AA."
Smallish batteries : AAS
The answer "AAAS" fits the clue "Smallish batteries" because AAAs are a common size of small batteries used in various electronic devices.
Test : EXAM
The word "test" is commonly used as a synonym for "exam." It refers to an assessment or evaluation of knowledge or skills. Therefore, "EXAM" is the appropriate answer.
Test : EXAM
The word "test" is often used interchangeably with "exam" to refer to a formal assessment of knowledge or ability.
Three-ingredient sweet treat : S’MORE Down 1 Mythical river of forgetfulness
The answer "S’MORE" fits the clue "Three-ingredient sweet treat" because a s'more is traditionally made with three main ingredients: graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
Tissue that covers the iris and pupil : CORNEA
The cornea is the clear tissue covering the iris and pupil of the eye, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Topiarist’s target : BUSH
The term "topiarist" refers to someone who trims and shapes shrubs and trees into decorative shapes. A common target for a topiarist to shape is a bush, making "BUSH" the correct answer.
Units of paper : SHEETS
The term "sheets" is commonly used to refer to individual pieces of paper, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Units of paper."
Units of paper : SHEETS
The answer "REAMS" is the right solution because a ream is a standard unit of paper measurement, typically containing 500 sheets.
Vision-correcting surgical beam : LASER
The answer "LASER" fits because a LASER is a type of vision-correcting surgical beam commonly used in procedures like LASIK to correct vision problems.
Witherspoon of “Walk the Line” : REESE
Reese Witherspoon starred in the movie "Walk the Line," making "REESE" the correct answer for the clue.
Woodwind insert : REED
The answer "REED" is the right solution because a reed is a thin strip of material in a woodwind instrument, such as a clarinet or saxophone, that vibrates to produce sound.
Woodwind insert : REED
"REED" is the right solution because a reed is a thin piece of material, usually made of cane, that vibrates to produce sound in woodwind instruments like clarinets and saxophones.
Woodwind instruments that need 16-es : CLARINETS
The answer "CLARINETS" fits the clue because clarinets are woodwind instruments that come in different sizes, including the B-flat clarinet which is also known as the 16-e clarinet.
Words on a Wonderland cake : EAT ME
"EAT ME" are words written on a cake in Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland". Alice eats the cake to change her size, making "EAT ME" the correct answer for this clue.
“I don’t need that back,” and what can be said about the starts of 20-, 34-, and 40- : YOU CAN KEEP IT
The phrase "YOU CAN KEEP IT" fits the clue because it means "I don’t need that back," and the starts of the answers to clues 20-, 34-, and 40- spell out "YOU," "CAN," and "KEEP."
“Semper Fi” military org. : USMC
The answer "USMC" stands for United States Marine Corps, which is commonly referred to as the "Semper Fi" military organization. "Semper Fi" is the motto of the Marine Corps, meaning "always faithful" in Latin.