Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 24 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.
Amo, amas, __ : AMAT
The Latin phrase "Amo, amas, __" is the conjugation of the verb "to love" in Latin. The correct answer to complete the phrase is "AMAT," which means "he, she, or it loves" in Latin.
Amo, amas, __ : AMAT
The Latin verb "amo" conjugated in the third person singular present tense is "amat," which means "he/she loves." In the phrase "Amo, amas, __," the missing word should be the third person singular form of the verb, which is "AMAT."
Army fare, briefly : MRE
The answer "MRE" stands for "Meal, Ready-to-Eat," which is a type of food ration commonly used by the military. The clue "Army fare, briefly" suggests that we are looking for a term related to food that is associated with the army. "MRE" fits this description perfectly, making it the correct answer.
ATM key : ENTER
The answer "ENTER" is the right solution for the clue "ATM key" because when using an ATM, you need to press the "ENTER" key to confirm and process your transaction.
Aussie mate-ing call? : G’DAY
The answer "G'DAY" is the right solution because it is a common Australian greeting that is often used as a mate-ing call. It is a shortened form of "good day" and is widely recognized as a distinctive Australian expression.
Baseball great Hodges inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022 : GIL
Big name in pianos and motorcycles : YAMAHA
The answer is "YAMAHA" because Yamaha is a well-known brand that manufactures both pianos and motorcycles.
Bit of plastic foam packing material : PEANUT
The answer "PEANUT" is the right solution because it is a common term used to describe a small piece of plastic foam packing material that is shaped like a peanut.
Burger preparer, in diner slang : SLINGER
The answer "SLINGER" is the right solution because in diner slang, a "burger preparer" is often referred to as a "slinger."
By __ of : due to
The phrase "By __ of" is commonly used to indicate the reason or cause of something. The answer "due to" fits perfectly because it conveys the same meaning.
Capt.’s boss : MAJ
The answer "MAJ" is short for "major," which is the rank above captain in the military. Therefore, the boss of a captain would be a major.
Chevy model that shares a name with a lake : TAHOE
The Chevy model "TAHOE" shares its name with a lake.
Crime-fighting teen toon __ Possible : KIM
The answer is "KIM" because the clue is referring to the crime-fighting teen character named Kim Possible from the animated show "Kim Possible."
Crisis unit : SWAT TEAM
The answer "SWAT TEAM" is the right solution because a SWAT team is a specialized unit that is called in during crisis situations, such as hostage situations or high-risk arrests.
Dance syllables : CHA-CHA-CHA
The answer to "Dance syllables" is "CHA-CHA-CHA" because the cha-cha-cha is a Latin American dance that is often counted and performed with these syllables.
Device for making butter : CHURN
The answer to "Device for making butter" is "CHURN" because a churn is a kitchen tool specifically designed for the purpose of turning cream into butter.
Dick Cheney’s predecessor : AL GORE
The answer "AL GORE" is correct because Al Gore was the Vice President of the United States before Dick Cheney.
Disco hit with the repeated lyric “How do you like it?” : MORE, MORE, MORE
Drives bonkers : ANNOYS
The answer "ANNOYS" fits the clue "Drives bonkers" because it means to irritate or bother someone, causing them to become frustrated or driven to the point of being bonkers.
Exec who’s good at networking? : CTO
The answer "CTO" stands for Chief Technology Officer, who is an executive responsible for overseeing technology and networking strategies within a company. Therefore, a CTO is typically skilled at networking, making it the right solution for the clue.
Explored deeply : DUG INTO
The answer "DUG INTO" fits the clue "Explored deeply" because it implies the action of digging into a subject or topic in a thorough and extensive manner.
Fielding gloves : MITTS
The answer to "Fielding gloves" is "MITTS" because mitts are a type of gloves specifically designed for fielding in sports like baseball or softball.
French agreement : OUI
The answer "OUI" is the right solution for the clue "French agreement" because "OUI" is the French word for "yes," which is commonly used to express agreement.
Friendly back-and-forth : BANTER
The word "banter" is the right solution because it refers to a friendly and playful exchange of teasing or witty remarks between people. It perfectly fits the clue "Friendly back-and-forth" as it captures the essence of a lighthearted and enjoyable conversation.
Green who played Vesper Lynd in “Casino Royale” : EVA
The answer is "EVA" because Eva Green is the actress who played the character Vesper Lynd in the movie "Casino Royale".
LAX agency that’s not lax about safety : TSA
The answer "TSA" is the right solution because it is the abbreviation for the Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for ensuring safety and security at airports, including LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).
LeBron who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s NBA scoring record in 2023 : JAMES
The answer is "JAMES" because LeBron James is the basketball player who broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's NBA scoring record in 2023.
Mimic’s talent : APERY
The answer "APERY" is the right solution because it refers to the talent of mimicking or imitating someone or something. It is a concise term that accurately describes a mimic's skill.
Mine yields : ORES
The answer "ORES" is the right solution because mines typically yield ores, which are naturally occurring minerals that can be extracted for valuable metals or minerals.
Monterey __ cheese : JACK
The answer is "JACK" because Monterey Jack cheese is a popular type of cheese that originated in Monterey, California.
Natural balm : ALOE
The answer "ALOE" is the right solution because aloe is a natural plant known for its soothing and healing properties. It is often used in balms and creams to provide relief for various skin conditions.
Natural balm : ALOE
ALOE is a natural plant known for its soothing and healing properties, making it a common ingredient in balms and skincare products.
Naval initials : USS
The initials "USS" stand for "United States Ship," commonly used to identify naval vessels in the United States.
New wave band __ Boingo : OINGO
The answer is "OINGO" because Oingo Boingo is a well-known new wave band.
Not pro : ANTI
The answer "ANTI" fits the clue "Not pro" because it means being against or opposed to something. It is a concise and suitable word that conveys the opposite meaning of being in favor or supportive.
Not pro : ANTI
"Anti" is the right answer because it means being against something, which is the opposite of being pro.
Novelist Patchett : ANN
The answer to "Novelist Patchett" is "ANN" because Ann Patchett is a well-known novelist.
Novelist Patchett : ANN
The answer "ANN" fits the clue "Novelist Patchett" because Ann Patchett is a well-known American author, and "ANN" is a common abbreviation for the name Ann.
Optional feature : ADD-ON
The answer "ADD-ON" is the right solution for the clue "Optional feature" because an add-on is something that can be added to enhance or customize a product or service, but is not necessary for its basic functionality.
Over and again, in poetry : OFT
The word "oft" is a poetic word that means "often" or "frequently." In poetry, repetition is a common technique, and "over and again" implies the idea of something happening repeatedly. Therefore, "oft" is the right answer to the clue "Over and again, in poetry."
Penlight batteries : AAAS
The answer to "Penlight batteries" is "AAAS" because AAAs are commonly used in penlights, which are small handheld flashlights.
Polite child’s reply : YES, MOM
The answer "YES, MOM" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Polite child's reply." It suggests that the child is acknowledging their mother in a respectful and obedient manner.
Prying tool : LEVER
The answer to "Prying tool" is "LEVER" because a lever is a simple machine that can be used to exert force and lift or move objects by applying pressure at one end and using a fulcrum as a pivot point. It is commonly used as a prying tool to lift or pry open things.
Put down : DIS
The answer "INSULTED" fits the clue "Put down" because when someone is insulted, they are being verbally or emotionally put down.
Put down : DIS
The answer "DIS" for the clue "Put down" is the right solution because "DIS" is a verb meaning to criticize or belittle someone or something. In this context, "putting down" can be understood as expressing disapproval or disparaging remarks.
Put down : DIS
The word "deride" means to put someone or something down, usually by mocking or ridiculing. Therefore, "deride" is the right answer for the clue "Put down."
Put down : DIS
The answer "ABASE" fits the clue "Put down" because it means to degrade or belittle someone, which is a form of putting them down.
Put down : DIS
The word "set" can mean to put something down or place it in a particular position, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Put (down)".
Put down : DIS
"Put down" is a colloquial term that can mean to insult or belittle someone, which is commonly referred to as "dissing" someone. Therefore, the answer "DISS" fits the clue.
Retail outlet : STORE Down 1 Refuse to answer questions
The answer to "Retail outlet" is "STORE" because a store is a place where goods are sold to the public. It is a common term used to describe a retail establishment.
Roll up, as a flag : FURL
The term "furl" means to roll up or gather something, such as a flag, by folding or winding it. In the context of the clue, "roll up, as a flag," the answer "FURL" fits perfectly as it directly corresponds to the action described.
Sazerac spirits : RYES
The answer "RYES" is the right solution because Ryes are a type of spirits commonly used in making a Sazerac cocktail.
Sign of dehydration : DRY MOUTH
The answer "DRY MOUTH" is the right solution because dehydration often leads to a lack of saliva production, causing the mouth to feel dry.
Sink-cleaning brand : AJAX
The answer to "Sink-cleaning brand" is "AJAX" because AJAX is a well-known brand that produces household cleaning products, including sink cleaners.
Slender woodwind : OBOE
The answer to "Slender woodwind" is "OBOE" because the oboe is a musical instrument that is known for its slender and elongated shape.
Slender woodwind : OBOE
The answer "OBOE" fits the clue "Slender woodwind" because the oboe is a musical instrument that is long and slender, typically made of wood.
Soccer legend Mia : HAMM
The answer to "Soccer legend Mia" is "HAMM" because Mia Hamm is a well-known and highly regarded soccer player who achieved legendary status in the sport.
Sound in an empty hallway : ECHO
The answer is "ECHO" because when a sound is made in an empty hallway, it bounces off the walls and creates a repeating sound effect, which is known as an echo.
Soviet news agency : TASS
The answer to "Soviet news agency" is "TASS" because TASS was the official news agency of the Soviet Union.
State on Lake Erie : OHIO
The answer is "OHIO" because Ohio is a state that borders Lake Erie.
Sunup direction : EAST
The answer to "Sunup direction" is "EAST" because the sun rises in the east.
Supervised : OVERSAW
The word "oversee" means to supervise or watch over something or someone. The past tense of "oversee" is "oversaw," which fits the clue "supervised."
Takes a rest : REPOSES
The answer "REPOSES" is the right solution because it means "takes a rest" or "relaxes." It is a verb that describes the act of resting or being at ease.
Three, so they say : CROWD
The answer "CROWD" fits the clue "Three, so they say" because when people say "the more, the merrier," it implies that a larger group or crowd is preferred.
Tops : MAX
The word "tops" can be a synonym for "excellent" or "the best." In card games, "aces" are the highest-ranking cards, so "ACES" is a fitting answer for "tops."
Tops : MAX
The answer "MAX" fits the clue "Tops" because it refers to the highest point or maximum level of something.
Tops : MAX
"AT MOST" can mean a maximum amount or degree, which can be interpreted as "tops" in terms of limits or boundaries.
Tops : MAX
"A-ONE" is a slang term meaning excellent or first-rate, so it can be used to describe something as being at the top or the best.
Two tablets, maybe : DOSE
The answer "DOSE" fits the clue "Two tablets, maybe" because a "dose" often refers to a specific amount of medication, which can be taken in the form of two tablets.
Überfan : STAN
The term "Stan" originated from the Eminem song of the same name, which describes an obsessive fan. Over time, it has become a common term to refer to someone who is an extreme or superfan of something or someone. Therefore, "Stan" is the right solution for the clue "Überfan."
Volatile types : HOTHEADS
The term "volatile" refers to someone who has a tendency to become easily angered or lose their temper. "Hotheads" is a slang term often used to describe such individuals. Therefore, "Hotheads" is the right answer as it accurately represents the clue "Volatile types".
Writer/actress Tina who graduated from 40-Down : FEY
The answer is "FEY" because Tina Fey is a well-known writer and actress who graduated from the institution referred to as "40-Down" in the crossword puzzle.
“Earthsea” series writer __ K. Le Guin : URSULA
The answer is "URSULA" because Ursula K. Le Guin is the author of the "Earthsea" series.
“Exactly right!” : DING DING DING!
The phrase "DING DING DING!" is often used to indicate that something is exactly right or correct, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Exactly right!"
“So tasty!” : NOM NOM NOM!
The phrase "NOM NOM NOM!" is often used to express enjoyment or satisfaction with delicious food, making it a fitting answer for the clue "So tasty!"
“Straight __ Compton” : OUTTA
The answer to "Straight __ Compton" is "OUTTA" because it is a slang term for "out of" and the clue is referring to the famous N.W.A. album "Straight Outta Compton."
“Wait for it” : DOT DOT DOT
The phrase "Wait for it" is often used to build suspense or anticipation. In crossword puzzles, "DOT DOT DOT" is a common representation of this phrase, as it suggests that there is more to come.
“Where __ we?” : WERE
The answer to "Where __ we?" is "WERE" because it completes the question "Where were we?" which is asking about a previous location or situation.
“Wish me luck!” : HERE GOES!
The answer "HERE I GO!" is the right solution because it is a phrase commonly used to express a sense of determination and readiness before embarking on a new endeavor.
“Wish me luck!” : HERE GOES!
The phrase "Here goes!" is commonly used as an expression of anticipation or nervousness before attempting something. In the context of the clue "Wish me luck!", "Here goes!" fits perfectly as a response indicating that the person is about to embark on a new endeavor or take a chance.
“You’re a riot” : HA HA!
The phrase "You're a riot" is commonly used to sarcastically describe someone who is very funny. "HA HA!" is a common way to represent laughter, so it fits perfectly as the answer.