Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 31 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.
Allowing for modification, as a mortgage : OPEN-END
The term "open-end" refers to a type of mortgage that allows for modifications or adjustments. It means that the terms and conditions of the mortgage can be changed or extended as needed. Therefore, "open-end" is the correct answer for a mortgage that allows for modification.
Arthur Miller’s “Death of a __” : SALESMAN
The answer is "SALESMAN" because Arthur Miller's play is titled "Death of a Salesman," and the clue is asking for the missing word in the title.
Big name in crossword puzzle magazines : DELL
The answer "DELL" is the right solution because Dell is a well-known publisher of crossword puzzle magazines.
Black belt discipline : KARATE
The answer is "KARATE" because it is a martial art that is commonly associated with the black belt rank.
Brother of Ophelia : LAERTES
The answer to "Brother of Ophelia" is "LAERTES" because in Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," Laertes is indeed the brother of Ophelia.
Campfire residue : ASHES
The answer "ASHES" is the right solution because when a campfire burns, it leaves behind powdery remains known as ashes.
Christian of fashion : DIOR
The answer "DIOR" is the right solution because Christian Dior is a well-known fashion designer. His name is often associated with the fashion industry, making him the correct answer for the clue "Christian of fashion."
Circle dances : HORAS
The answer "HORAS" is the right solution because "HORAS" refers to traditional circle dances performed in Jewish and Romanian cultures.
Cloverleaf feature : LOOP
The answer "LOOP" is the right solution for the clue "Cloverleaf feature" because a cloverleaf interchange on a highway typically consists of multiple ramps and roads that form a loop-like shape.
Degs. for many profs : PHDS
The answer "PHDS" stands for "Doctor of Philosophy degrees." Many professors hold PhDs, which are the most common type of doctoral degrees in academia.
Did a garden chore : HOED
The answer "HOED" is the right solution because it is a verb that means to perform the garden chore of using a tool called a hoe to break up and cultivate the soil.
Dinner plate : DISH
The answer to "Dinner plate" is "DISH" because a dish is a common term used to refer to a plate used for serving or eating food.
Duchess of Parma who was Napoleon’s second wife : MARIE LOUISE
The answer "MARIE LOUISE" is the right solution because she was indeed the Duchess of Parma and the second wife of Napoleon.
Eclectic online digest : UTNE
Eggs (on) : SPURS
The answer "URGES" is the right solution for the clue "Eggs (on)" because "eggs on" can mean to encourage or provoke someone to take action, and "URGES" is a synonym for that.
Eggs (on) : SPURS
Emergency letters : SOS
The answer to "Emergency letters" is "SOS" because it is an internationally recognized distress signal.
Emmy-nominated TV series based on a Hilary Mantel novel : WOLF HALL
"Wolf Hall" is the right solution because it is an Emmy-nominated TV series that is based on a novel written by Hilary Mantel.
Evil laugh : MWAHAHA!
The answer "MWAHAHA!" is the right solution because it is a common representation of an evil laugh in comic books and movies, often used by villains.
Evil laugh : MWAHAHA!
The answer is "[MWAHAHA]" because it is a common onomatopoeic representation of an evil laugh in comic books and cartoons.
Far from : NONE TOO
The phrase "none too" means "far from" or "not at all." It is a common expression used to indicate that something is very far from a desired state or expectation. Therefore, "none too" is the right answer to the clue "Far from."
Fighting : AT IT
Fighting : AT IT
The word "combat" is a synonym for fighting, involving physical confrontation between opponents.
Fruit juice suffix : -ADE
The suffix "-ADE" is commonly added to fruit names to indicate a juice made from that fruit. For example, "lemonade" is made from lemons, "orangeade" is made from oranges, and so on. Therefore, "-ADE" is the correct solution for the crossword clue "Fruit juice suffix."
Fruit soda brand : FANTA
The answer is "FANTA" because it is a well-known brand of fruit soda.
Gambling hub near Hong Kong : MACAU
The answer to "Gambling hub near Hong Kong" is "MACAU" because Macau is a region in China that is known for its thriving gambling industry and is often referred to as the "Las Vegas of Asia."
Gem from Australia or Ethiopia : OPAL
The answer is "OPAL" because both Australia and Ethiopia are known for their opal mines, making opal a common gemstone found in these countries.
GI grub : MRE
The answer to "GI grub" is "MRE" because "GI" is a term commonly used to refer to a soldier in the military, and "MRE" stands for "Meals Ready to Eat," which are pre-packaged meals provided to soldiers in the field.
Glass raiser’s opening : A TOAST …
The answer "A TOAST" is the right solution because it refers to the act of raising a glass in celebration or honor. The clue "Glass raiser's opening" is a clever way of indicating the beginning of a toast, making "A TOAST" the appropriate answer.
Grass in a roll : SOD
The answer "SOD" is the right solution because it refers to grass that is grown and sold in rolls, commonly used for quickly establishing a lawn.
Halloween attraction, or what 19-, 27-/32-, and 42- all might be a part of? : HAUNTED HOUSE
The answer "HAUNTED HOUSE" is the right solution because it fits the clue "Halloween attraction" and also explains why the words "19-, 27-/32-, and 42-" might be a part of it. A haunted house is a popular Halloween attraction and the given numbers likely correspond to specific words or phrases that relate to a haunted house.
Hip-hop duo __ & Rakim : ERIC B
The answer is "ERIC B" because Eric B is one half of the hip-hop duo Eric B & Rakim.
Hosp. recovery area : ICU
The answer "POSTOP" is short for "postoperative," which refers to the period of time after a surgical operation. In a hospital, the recovery area where patients are monitored and cared for immediately after surgery is commonly called the "postoperative area" or "postoperative recovery area." Therefore, "POSTOP" is the correct solution for the crossword clue "Hosp. recovery area."
Hosp. recovery area : ICU
The answer to "Hosp. recovery area" is "ICU" because it stands for Intensive Care Unit, which is a specialized area in a hospital where patients receive intensive medical care and monitoring.
Knock sharply : RAP
The word "RAP" is the right solution because it means to knock sharply or to strike quickly and forcefully.
Knock sharply : RAP
RAP is the right solution because "knock sharply" is a definition of the word "rap," which means to strike a surface quickly and sharply.
L.A.’s region : SOCAL
The answer "SOCAL" is short for Southern California, which is the region where L.A. (Los Angeles) is located.
Landlocked West African nation : MALI
The answer "MALI" is the right solution because Mali is a landlocked country located in West Africa.
Large cupboard : ARMOIRE
The answer "ARMOIRE" is the right solution because it is a large cupboard typically used for storing clothes or linens.
Like more than 4 billion people : ASIAN
The answer "ASIAN" is the right solution because it is the continent with the highest population, with over 4 billion people residing there.
Loot : LUCRE
The answer to "Loot" is "LUCRE" because "LUCRE" is a synonym for money or wealth, which is often the motivation behind looting.
Most overgrown, say : BUSHIEST
The word "overgrown" implies something that has grown excessively. "Bushiest" refers to something that has the most bushes or foliage, which aligns with the idea of being overgrown. Therefore, "BUSHIEST" is the right answer.
Moving day rental : CARGO VAN
The answer "CARGO VAN" is the right solution because it is a type of vehicle commonly rented for moving purposes. It provides ample space for transporting furniture and belongings during a move.
Moving day rental : CARGO VAN
The answer is "U-HAUL" because U-Haul is a popular company that provides rental trucks and trailers for moving purposes.
Not new : USED
The answer "USED" fits the clue "Not new" because it means something that has been previously owned or utilized. It is the opposite of "new" and indicates that the item or object has been used before.
Opinion piece : OP-ED
The answer "OP-ED" is short for "opposite the editorial," which refers to a type of newspaper or magazine article that expresses the writer's opinion on a particular topic. Therefore, "OP-ED" is the right solution for the clue "Opinion piece."
Opinion piece : OP-ED
"Op-ed" stands for "opposite the editorial page," where opinion pieces are typically found in newspapers. It is a common term used to refer to a written article expressing the author's opinion on a current issue or topic.
Phrase of finality : SO THAT’S THAT
The phrase "SO THAT'S THAT" is commonly used to indicate finality or the conclusion of a matter. It succinctly expresses the idea of something being settled or finished.
Plumbing problem : LEAK
The answer "LEAK" is the right solution for the clue "Plumbing problem" because a leak is a common issue in plumbing where water or other fluids escape from pipes or fixtures unintentionally.
Pres. after FDR : HST
The answer "HST" stands for Harry S. Truman, who became the President of the United States after Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR).
Product prefix that evokes winter : SNO-
The answer "SNO-" is the right solution because it is a product prefix that is commonly associated with winter. The prefix "SNO-" is often used in words like "snowstorm," "snowman," and "snowball," which are all related to winter.
Restaurant that operates within another restaurant : GHOST KITCHEN
The answer "GHOST KITCHEN" is the right solution because it accurately describes a restaurant that operates within another restaurant. In a ghost kitchen, food is prepared and cooked for delivery or takeout only, without a physical dining area for customers.
See 27- : … IN THE CLOSET
The answer "… GIN" is the right solution for "See 27-" because it indicates that the answer to the clue at 27- will end with the letters GIN. It is a common crossword convention to use "See" followed by a specific clue number to refer to another clue in the crossword.
See 27- : … IN THE CLOSET
The phrase "in the closet" is commonly used to describe someone who is hiding their true identity or a secret aspect of themselves. In this case, the clue "See 27-" indicates that the answer is related to the word or phrase following it. Therefore, the answer "… IN THE CLOSET" is fitting because it completes the phrase or sentence that starts with the word or words given in clue number 27.
See 27- : … IN THE CLOSET
The answer "... ARE" is the right solution because it completes the phrase "See 27-" which means that the answer can be found in the clue number 27 across.
See 27- : … IN THE CLOSET
The answer to "See 27-" is "... BREATHE" because when you put the answer from clue 27 together with the word "BREATHE," it forms a common phrase or expression.
See 27- : … IN THE CLOSET
The answer "… AND …" is the continuation of the clue "See 27-", indicating that the answer can be found in another clue, which is clue number 27.
Sheep call : BAA!
The answer to "Sheep call" is "BAA!" because "BAA!" is the sound that sheep make.
Some Parliament members : LORDS
The answer "LORDS" is the right solution because in the context of a Parliament, "LORDS" refers to the members of the House of Lords, which is one of the two chambers in the British Parliament.
Sound at a spa : AHH
The answer "AHH" is the right solution because it represents the sound of relaxation and contentment often associated with a spa experience.
Spot on a sked : APPT
The abbreviation "APPT" stands for "appointment." It is a spot or time slot that is scheduled or planned in advance.
Strong coffee in a tiny cup : ESPRESSO
The answer to "Strong coffee in a tiny cup" is "ESPRESSO" because espresso is a type of coffee that is typically served in small cups and is known for its strong flavor.
Texas border city : EL PASO
The answer to "Texas border city" is "EL PASO" because it is a city located on the border between Texas, United States, and the neighboring country of Mexico.
Texas border city : EL PASO
"LAREDO" is the right solution because it is a city in Texas located on the border with Mexico.
Tosses : HEAVES
The word "tosses" is a clue that suggests a throwing or flinging action. "Heaves" is a suitable answer because it means to throw or lift with effort, matching the clue.
TV channel with election night coverage : MSNBC
The answer "MSNBC" is the right solution because it is a TV channel that provides extensive coverage of election nights. It is known for its in-depth analysis and commentary on political events, making it a popular choice for viewers seeking election-related news and updates.
TV channel with election night coverage : MSNBC
The answer is "CNN" because it is a well-known TV channel that provides extensive coverage of election nights.
TV channel with election night coverage : CNN
The answer "MSNBC" is the right solution because it is a TV channel that provides extensive coverage of election nights. It is known for its in-depth analysis and commentary on political events, making it a popular choice for viewers seeking election-related news and updates.
TV channel with election night coverage : CNN
The answer is "CNN" because it is a well-known TV channel that provides extensive coverage of election nights.
Warmed, as leftovers : HEATED UP
The answer "HEATED UP" is the right solution because it accurately describes the action of warming leftovers. It implies applying heat to make the food warm again.
Went round and round : ROTATED
The word "rotated" means to go round and round, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
With 32-, embarrassing secret : SKELETON …
The answer to "With 32-, embarrassing secret" is "SKELETON IN THE CLOSET." This is the right solution because the phrase "skeleton in the closet" is a common idiom used to describe a hidden or embarrassing secret that someone doesn't want others to know about.
WNW’s opposite : ESE
The answer to "WNW's opposite" is "ESE" because it is the abbreviation for East-Southeast, which is the direction that is exactly opposite to West-Northwest.
WNW’s opposite : ESE
"WNW" stands for "west-northwest," so its opposite direction would be "east-southeast," which is abbreviated as "ESE."
Zero, in soccer : NIL
The term "NIL" is commonly used in soccer to indicate a score of zero. It is a concise and widely accepted way to represent no goals or points scored in a game.
__ de toilette : EAU
The answer to "__ de toilette" is "EAU" because "EAU" is the French word for "water" and "eau de toilette" refers to a type of perfume or fragrance that is diluted with water.
__ Tracks ice cream : MOOSE
The answer to "__ Tracks ice cream" is "MOOSE" because "Moose Tracks" is a popular flavor of ice cream that typically contains chocolate-covered peanut butter cups and fudge swirls.
“Finish the job!” : DO IT!
The answer "DO IT!" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to encourage someone to complete a task or finish a job.
“For __ jolly … ” : HE’S A
The phrase "For __ jolly..." is a common expression that is completed with the words "HE'S A." It means that someone is in a cheerful or happy mood.
“Oppenheimer” director Christopher : NOLAN Down 1 Ambulance gp.
The answer to "“Oppenheimer” director Christopher" is "NOLAN" because Christopher Nolan is a well-known director who directed the film "Oppenheimer."
“She’s So High” singer Bachman : TAL
The answer to the clue "She's So High" singer Bachman is "TAL" because the singer of the song "She's So High" is Tal Bachman.
“That sounds tempting” : I’D LIKE TO
The phrase "I'd like to" is often used to express temptation or interest in doing something. It fits the clue "That sounds tempting" because it implies a desire or willingness to engage in the suggested activity.