Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 2 November 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.
Activity with steps : BALLROOM DANCING
The answer "BALLROOM DANCING" is the right solution because it is an activity that typically involves following specific steps and movements in a structured manner.
Adjusts for pitch : TUNES
The answer "TUNES" is the right solution because when you adjust for pitch, you are fine-tuning or modifying the sound of something, such as a musical instrument or a radio station, to achieve the desired pitch or frequency. "TUNES" fits perfectly with the clue and conveys the idea of making pitch adjustments.
Army rank : SERGEANT
The answer to "Army rank" is "SERGEANT" because it is a commonly used rank in the military, typically above corporal and below staff sergeant.
Assert firmly : AVER
The word "aver" means to assert something firmly or to state confidently. It fits perfectly with the clue "assert firmly" and is a common crossword answer for this type of clue.
Back talk : SASS Down 1 “Wellness you can trust” publication
The word "sass" is slang for impudent or disrespectful talk. Therefore, "back talk" which means impudent or disrespectful replies, is a synonym for "sass".
Back talk : SASS Down 1 “Wellness you can trust” publication
The answer to "Back talk" is "SASS" because "SASS" is a colloquial term that means to speak impudently or disrespectfully in response to someone. It fits the clue as it refers to a form of verbal defiance or back talk.
Back talk : SASS Down 1 “Wellness you can trust” publication
"SASS" is the right solution because "back talk" is a colloquial term for speaking to someone disrespectfully or impudently, which is exactly what "SASS" means.
Back talk : SASS Down 1 “Wellness you can trust” publication
"SASS" is the right solution because "back talk" is another way of saying disrespectful or impudent speech, which is often referred to as "sass" in informal language.
Back talk : SASS Down 1 “Wellness you can trust” publication
"LIP" is the right solution because "back talk" is a term used to describe speaking disrespectfully or rudely, and "lip" is a slang term that can mean the same thing.
Baseball rosters : NINES
The answer "NINES" is the right solution because a baseball team typically consists of nine players on the field at a time.
Basic weightlifting lesson : GRIP
The answer "GRIP" is the right solution because in weightlifting, having a proper grip on the equipment is essential. It refers to how you hold the barbell or dumbbell, which affects your ability to lift and control the weight.
Biblical craft of gopher wood : ARK
The answer "ARK" is the right solution because in the Bible, Noah built an ark out of gopher wood to save himself, his family, and pairs of animals during the Great Flood.
Booklet with steps : IKEA DIRECTIONS
The answer "IKEA DIRECTIONS" fits the clue "Booklet with steps" because IKEA is known for providing assembly instructions in the form of booklets that contain step-by-step directions for building their furniture.
Brand that “nobody doesn’t like” : SARA LEE
The answer "SARA LEE" is the right solution because it is a well-known brand that has used the slogan "nobody doesn't like Sara Lee" in their advertising campaigns.
Britcom starring Jennifer Saunders, to fans : ABFAB
The answer to "Britcom starring Jennifer Saunders, to fans" is "ABFAB" because "ABFAB" is a commonly used abbreviation for the British comedy show "Absolutely Fabulous," which stars Jennifer Saunders.
Brute force : MIGHT
The word "might" can refer to physical strength or power, which can be associated with brute force.
Budget airline with yellow planes : SPIRIT
The answer to "Budget airline with yellow planes" is "SPIRIT" because Spirit Airlines is a well-known budget airline that uses yellow planes as part of its branding.
Communication method in “A Quiet Place,” briefly : ASL
The answer "ASL" is the right solution because it stands for American Sign Language, which is the communication method used in the movie "A Quiet Place." In the film, the characters communicate silently using sign language to avoid attracting dangerous creatures.
Composer Rorem : NED
The answer "NED" is the right solution because Ned Rorem is a well-known American composer.
Composer Rorem : NED
The answer to "Composer Rorem" is "NED" because Ned Rorem is a well-known American composer.
Cosmonaut Gagarin : YURI
The answer "YURI" is the right solution because Yuri Gagarin was the first cosmonaut to travel into space.
Crack, in a sense : SOLVE
The answer "SOLVE" is the right solution to the clue "Crack, in a sense" because when we "solve" a problem or a puzzle, we are finding the solution or cracking it.
Crafts : BOATS
The answer to "Crafts" is "BOATS" because boats are a type of craft that is used for transportation or leisure activities on water.
Crystalline stone : GEODE
The answer "GEODE" is the right solution because a geode is a type of crystalline stone that is hollow and often contains beautiful crystal formations inside.
Data provider for retailers such as Barnes & Noble : BOOKSCAN
BOOKSCAN is the right solution because it is a data provider specifically for retailers like Barnes & Noble. It is a service that collects and analyzes sales data for books, providing valuable insights for retailers in the book industry.
De __ manera : otherwise, in Spanish
The answer "De __ manera" is "otherwise, in Spanish" because "De" means "of" or "from" and "manera" means "way" or "manner" in Spanish. So, when combined, it translates to "otherwise" in English.
Device with steps : FITNESS TRACKER
The answer "FITNESS TRACKER" is the right solution to the clue "Device with steps" because fitness trackers are wearable devices that can count the number of steps a person takes throughout the day.
Drop down? : MOLT
The answer "MOLT" is the right solution because when certain animals, like snakes or birds, molt, they shed or drop down their old skin, feathers, or outer layer.
Earns after taxes : NETS
The answer "NETS" is the right solution because it refers to the amount of money earned after taxes and deductions have been taken out. It represents the final income received by an individual or business.
El __ : climate pattern
The answer to "El __" is "climate pattern" because "El Niño" is a well-known climate pattern characterized by warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific.
El __ : climate pattern
The answer is "El __" is "America, in Mexico" because "El" means "The" in Spanish, and "America" is the translation of "America" in English. So, "El America" translates to "The America" in English, which is commonly referred to as America in Mexico.
El __ : climate pattern
The answer to "El __" being "second-largest city in Bolivia" is correct because the second-largest city in Bolivia is "El Alto."
First name in civil rights history : ROSA
The answer "ROSA" is the right solution because Rosa Parks was a prominent figure in civil rights history, known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
First name in civil rights history : ROSA
Martin Luther King Jr. is a prominent figure in civil rights history, known for his leadership in the American civil rights movement. "MARTIN" is a common first name and the most likely answer to the clue.
Fit the facts : ADD UP
The phrase "add up" means to make sense or be consistent with the facts. So, when something fits the facts, it can be said to "add up." Therefore, "add up" is the right solution for the clue "Fit the facts."
Flows back : EBBS
The word "ebbs" means to recede or flow back, making it the perfect solution for the clue "flows back."
Flows back : EBBS
"Ebbs" is the right solution because it means to flow back or recede, which matches the clue "Flows back."
Foamy coffee shop order : LATTE
The answer "LATTE" is the right solution because it is a type of coffee shop order that typically has foamy milk on top.
Funds for later yrs. : IRAS
The answer "IRAS" is the right solution because it stands for Individual Retirement Accounts, which are funds specifically designed for saving money for later years, typically for retirement.
Garb in sword-and-sandal pictures : TOGAS
The answer "TOGAS" fits the clue because "garb" refers to clothing, and "sword-and-sandal pictures" are movies set in ancient Rome or Greece where characters often wore togas.
Gordian __ : mythological conundrum
The answer to "Gordian __" is "mythological conundrum" because in Greek mythology, the Gordian Knot was an intricate knot that was impossible to untie. It became a metaphor for a complex problem or puzzle, hence the term "Gordian __" meaning a difficult or unsolvable conundrum.
High-stress situations : CRISES
The answer "CRISES" is the right solution because it refers to high-stress situations. The plural form of "CRISIS," it accurately captures the idea of intense and difficult circumstances.
Historic Peruvian : INCA
The answer to "Historic Peruvian" is "INCA" because the Inca civilization was an ancient civilization that existed in Peru.
Ice sheet : FLOE
The answer "FLOE" is the right solution for the clue "Ice sheet" because a floe refers to a flat mass of floating ice. It is a common term used to describe a large, solid piece of ice found in bodies of water.
Jack-in-the-box part : LID
The lid is the part of a jack-in-the-box that pops open to reveal the surprise inside.
Jai __ : ALAI
The answer to "Jai __" is "ALAI" because "Jai Alai" is a sport that originated in Spain and is played with a ball and a long curved basket-like device called a cesta.
Jai __ : ALAI
The answer to "Jai __" is "Basque game" because Jai Alai is a popular sport originating in the Basque region of Spain.
Jai __ : ALAI
The answer to "Jai __" is "ALAI" because "Jai Alai" is a sport that originated in Spain and involves players using a long curved basket to catch and throw a ball against a wall.
Legendary coach Parseghian : ARA
The answer "ARA" is the right solution because Ara Parseghian was a legendary coach in college football.
Lighthouse output : SIGNAL
The answer "SIGNAL" is the right solution because lighthouses emit signals in the form of light beams to guide ships and boats.
Lingering effect : ECHO
The word "lingering" suggests something that remains or persists. An "echo" is a sound that continues to be heard after the original sound has stopped. Therefore, "echo" is a fitting answer as it represents a lingering effect.
Ludicrous : LAUGHABLE
The word "laughable" is the right solution for the clue "ludicrous" because it means something that is so ridiculous or absurd that it is worthy of laughter.
Maker of iComfort mattresses : SERTA
The answer is "SERTA" because Serta is a well-known brand that produces iComfort mattresses.
Menzel who was named a Disney Legend in 2022 : IDINA
The answer is "IDINA" because Idina Menzel was named a Disney Legend in 2022.
Meredith Grey’s mother : ELLIS
The answer "ELLIS" is the right solution because Ellis Grey is the name of Meredith Grey's mother in the TV show Grey's Anatomy.
Minnesota home to the Mayo Clinic : ROCHESTER
The Mayo Clinic is located in Rochester, Minnesota, making Rochester the correct answer to the clue.
Mmes., across the Pyrenees : SRAS
The answer "SRAS" is the right solution because "Mmes." is the abbreviation for "mesdames," which is the plural form of "madame." "Across the Pyrenees" indicates that we should look for a French word, and "SRAS" is the plural form of "sir" in French.
NYY rival : BOS
The answer "BOS" stands for Boston, which is the rival city to New York in terms of baseball teams. The New York Yankees (NYY) and the Boston Red Sox (BOS) have a long-standing rivalry in Major League Baseball.
NYY rival : BOS
"BOS" is the abbreviation for the Boston Red Sox, who are rivals of the New York Yankees (NYY) in Major League Baseball.
Only bird with calf muscles : EMU
Oversupply : GLUT
The answer to "Oversupply" is "GLUT" because "glut" means an excessive amount or an overabundance of something.
Oversupply : GLUT
The answer "SATE" fits the clue "Oversupply" because it means to satisfy fully, often to the point of excess.
Password partner : USER ID
The answer "USER ID" is the right solution because a "USER ID" is often used in combination with a password to gain access to a computer system or an online account. It is a common term in the realm of computer security.
Paving gunk : TAR
The answer to "Paving gunk" is "TAR" because it is a sticky substance commonly used in road construction and paving.
Paving gunk : TAR
TAR is a sticky substance commonly used in paving roads and driveways, making it the correct answer for the clue "Paving gunk."
Port kin : SHERRY
The answer to "Port kin" is "SHERRY" because "SHERRY" is a type of fortified wine that is often associated with the port city of Jerez in Spain. Therefore, it is a suitable answer for the clue "Port kin."
Prepares, as cheese : GRATES
The answer "GRATES" is the right solution because when you prepare cheese, one common method is to grate it into smaller pieces using a grater.
Record of the year? : ANNAL
The answer "ANNAL" is the right solution because it is a synonym for a record or historical account. It fits the clue "Record of the year?" as it refers to a written record of events over a period of time.
Record of the year? : ANNAL
The word "annal" can mean a record of events for each year, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Record of the year?"
Rub elbows (with) : HANG
Structure with steps : SPIRAL STAIRCASE
The answer "SPIRAL STAIRCASE" is the right solution because it accurately describes a structure that consists of steps arranged in a spiral shape. It fits the clue perfectly.
Tattle : SNITCH
The answer to "Tattle" is "TELL" because "telling" refers to sharing information or revealing a secret, which is synonymous with tattling.
Tattle : SNITCH
The answer "SNITCH" is the right solution because it is a slang term that means to inform on someone or reveal their secrets, which is synonymous with the clue "Tattle".
Tearoom nibble : SCONE
The answer to "Tearoom nibble" is "SCONE" because a scone is a popular baked good often enjoyed with tea in tearooms.
Tower dispatchers, often : Abbr.
Try to see : ASK OUT
"Ask out" is the right solution because when you "try to see" someone, you typically ask them out on a date or to spend time together.
Try to see : ASK OUT
The answer "WOO" is the right solution because when you try to see something, you might say "Woo!" to express excitement or encouragement.
Try to see : ASK OUT
The answer "WOO" is the right solution because "try to see" is a clue for a word that means to attempt to charm or persuade someone, and "WOO" fits that definition.
Utter nonsense : HOOEY
"BILGE" refers to the lower part of a ship's hull, which is often filled with water and debris. Figuratively, "bilge" can refer to nonsense or worthless talk, which is similar to the idea of useless debris found in the bilge of a ship. Therefore, "BILGE" is the right solution for "utter nonsense".
Utter nonsense : HOOEY
The word "HOOEY" is commonly used to describe something that is utter nonsense or meaningless talk. It fits perfectly with the clue and has the right number of letters, making it the correct answer.
Utter nonsense : HOOEY
"Tripe" is a term that can mean both the lining of a cow's stomach and something considered to be worthless or nonsense. In this case, "utter nonsense" is a clue for the second definition of "tripe," making it the correct answer.
Waste receptacles near fireplaces : ASH CANS
The answer "ASH CANS" is the right solution because it refers to the receptacles specifically used for collecting ashes from fireplaces.
Written tribute : ODE
The answer to "Written tribute" is "ODE" because an ode is a type of poem that expresses a strong feeling or admiration for someone or something.
Yin-yang principle : TAO
The answer to "Yin-yang principle" is "TAO" because the Tao is a Chinese philosophy that represents the balance between opposing forces, such as yin and yang.
__ Hawkins dance : SADIE
The term "Sadie Hawkins dance" refers to a fictional event where girls ask boys to be their dates, instead of the traditional gender roles. "Sadie" is the name of the character who initiated this concept in the comic strip "Li'l Abner" by Al Capp. Therefore, "Sadie" is the correct answer for "__ Hawkins dance" in the crossword.
“Or something like that” : ISH
The answer "ISH" is the right solution for the clue "Or something like that" because the suffix "-ish" is commonly used to indicate an approximation or similarity. It implies that the word or concept mentioned is not exact, but close enough.
“Queen __” : pop music icon with a “hive” of fans
The answer to "Queen __" is "Beyoncé" because she is a pop music icon who is often referred to as "Queen Bey" and has a large and dedicated fanbase, often referred to as the "Beyhive".
“Queen __” : pop music icon with a “hive” of fans
The answer "Bey" fits the clue "Queen __" as it is a popular nickname for the pop music icon Beyoncé.