Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 23 November 2024, Saturday. 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.
-speak : -ESE
The suffix "-ese" is commonly used to indicate a language or style of speaking associated with a specific place or people. So, "-speak" can be represented by "-ESE" in crossword puzzles.
Africa’s last absolute monarchy : ESWATINI
The answer is "ESWATINI" because it is the official name of the country formerly known as Swaziland, which is Africa's last absolute monarchy.
Alternative to a rim shot : I’M HERE ALL WEEK!
Architectural area whose name comes from the Greek for “vault” : APSE
The term "apse" in architecture refers to a semicircular or polygonal projection at the end of a building, typically containing a half dome or vault. The word "apse" is derived from the Greek word "apsis," which means "vault."
Area guarded in many sports : SHIN
The answer "SHIN" fits because the shin is a body part commonly guarded in many sports with protective gear like shin guards.
Aromatic hydrocarbon : ESTER
Arose : SURFACED
Athlete also known as “Fräulein Forehand” : GRAF
"GRAF" is the right answer because Steffi Graf, a former professional tennis player, was known as "Fräulein Forehand" due to her powerful forehand shot.
Attraction north of Syracuse : ETNA
The attraction north of Syracuse referred to in the clue is Mount Etna, a volcano in Sicily, Italy. "ETNA" fits the clue and is the correct answer.
Backing : AID
The word "aid" can mean support or backing, making it a suitable answer to the clue "Backing."
Blown away : AWED
The answer "AWED" is the right solution because when someone is "blown away," they are filled with a sense of awe or wonder.
Blown away : AWED
The answer "WOWED" fits the clue "Blown away" because it means to be greatly impressed or amazed, which is a common reaction when someone is blown away by something.
Blown away : AWED
The answer "AWED" fits the clue "Blown away" because feeling awed is a strong reaction of being amazed or impressed, similar to being blown away by something impressive.
Bye line : TA-TA
"Bye line" is a play on the word "byline," which is a line at the beginning of a newspaper or magazine article that gives the author's name. "Ta-ta" is a casual way of saying goodbye, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Cap. of America : USD
Category on a spa menu : FACIALS
The answer "FACIALS" fits the clue "Category on a spa menu" because facials are a common treatment offered at spas that focus on improving the skin's appearance and overall health.
Classic infomercial brand : GINSU
"GINSU" is the right solution because it is a classic brand known for its infomercials showcasing its sharp knives that can cut through various objects easily.
Clinging to a lead : UP ONE
"UP ONE" is the right solution because in sports or a competition, when a team or player is leading, they are said to be "up." Adding "ONE" indicates that they are just one step ahead or clinging to their lead.
Computer security brand : MCAFEE
McAfee is a well-known brand that provides computer security software, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Computer security brand."
Cry over spilled milk? : WHAT A WASTE!
This answer plays on the common saying "Don't cry over spilled milk" by turning it into a playful response that suggests the spilled milk was indeed a waste. It's a clever and humorous twist on the original phrase.
Diary writer in a Rachel Renée Russell series : DORK
The answer "DORK" fits because the diary writer in Rachel Renée Russell's series is a character named Nikki Maxwell, who refers to herself as a dork in the book titles.
Electrochemistry devices : WET CELLS
The answer "WET CELLS" refers to electrochemical cells that use a liquid electrolyte. This distinguishes them from dry cells, which use a paste or gel electrolyte.
Fab : ACES
"Fab" is a term meaning excellent or outstanding. In poker, "ACES" are the highest-ranking cards, making them excellent or top-notch, which fits the clue "Fab."
Fell behind : LAGGED
"Lagged" means to fall behind or move slowly. In this context, "fell behind" is a clue that suggests the answer should be a word that means to be behind schedule or to be slower than others, making "LAGGED" the correct solution.
Folk singer Phil : OCHS
"OCHS" is the right solution because Phil Ochs was a folk singer-songwriter known for his protest songs during the 1960s and 1970s.
Further : FOSTER
The word "also" means "furthermore" or "in addition." It is used to introduce something additional or supplementary to what has already been mentioned.
Further : FOSTER
Gamer’s mad dash to complete a level : SPEEDRUN
The term "speedrun" refers to a gamer's attempt to complete a video game as quickly as possible. In this context, a gamer's mad dash to complete a level would accurately be described as a "speedrun."
Georgia of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” : ENGEL
ENGEL is the right answer because Georgia Engel portrayed the character of Georgette Franklin Baxter on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."
Goes over : SPANS
"SPANS" is the right solution because it means to extend across a space or time, which fits the clue "Goes over" perfectly.
Hit makers? : EPEES
House of Fabergé patron : CZAR
The House of Fabergé was known for creating luxurious items for Russian czars, making "CZAR" the right answer for a Fabergé patron.
Inquired (into) : NOSED
The word "nosed" is a slang term meaning to inquire or pry into something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Inquired (into)."
Is completely comfortable : FEELS AT HOME
The phrase "feels at home" means being completely comfortable in a particular place or situation. It conveys a sense of ease and familiarity, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
John with an EGOT : ELTON
Elton John is a famous musician who has won an EGOT, which stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Therefore, the answer to "John with an EGOT" is "ELTON".
Key chain? : ATOLL
Naval garb : PEACOATS
"Peacoats" are a type of outerwear commonly worn by sailors in the navy, making them the right answer for the clue "Naval garb."
One may catch some rays : ORCA
Oz dweller : AUSSIE
The answer "AUSSIE" is a colloquial term for an Australian, and "Oz" is a common nickname for Australia. Therefore, "Oz dweller" refers to someone from Australia, making "AUSSIE" the correct answer.
Part of some cleansing rituals : SAGE
Sage is a common herb used in cleansing rituals to purify a space or person, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Part of some cleansing rituals."
People of action : DOERS
"DOERS" is the right solution because the word "doers" refers to people who take action and get things done, making it a fitting answer for the clue "People of action."
Petrol choice : ESSO
"ESSO" is a well-known brand of petrol, making it a common choice for drivers when filling up their tanks.
Placed : RECOGNIZED
Plumbing piece : P-TRAP
The answer "P-TRAP" is correct because a P-trap is a plumbing piece that is shaped like the letter "P" and is used to prevent sewer gases from entering a building.
Product with Ground Ball Grape and Wild Pitch Watermelon flavors : BIG LEAGUE CHEW
The answer "BIG LEAGUE CHEW" fits because it is a popular brand of chewing gum that offers flavors like Ground Ball Grape and Wild Pitch Watermelon.
Schools that don’t play in bowl games : IVIES
The Ivy League schools, such as Harvard and Yale, do not participate in bowl games as they are part of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and not the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) where bowl games are played. This is why "IVIES" is the right answer for the clue.
Scruff of the neck : NAPE
The "scruff of the neck" refers to the back of the neck or the nape of the neck. Therefore, the answer "NAPE" fits the clue.
Scylla’s head? : SIGMA
The answer "SIGMA" fits the clue "Scylla's head?" because in Greek mythology, Scylla was a sea monster with multiple heads. In the Greek alphabet, "sigma" is a letter that can be considered as a head of the word "Scylla."
Shiraz locale : IRAN Down 1 Baltimore __
The answer is "IRAN" because Shiraz is a city in Iran.
Signs that the party’s over? : GOODIE BAGS
"Signs that the party’s over?" is a playful clue that suggests the end of a party. "Goodie bags" are typically given out at the end of a party as a token of appreciation for attendees, signaling that the party is coming to a close.
Singer Erykah : BADU
Erykah Badu is a well-known singer, and "BADU" is her last name.
Some collectibles from the Roaring Twenties : VINTAGE CARS
The Roaring Twenties was a time of economic prosperity and cultural change, leading to a surge in popularity of automobiles. Vintage cars from this era are often sought after as collectibles, making "VINTAGE CARS" a fitting answer.
Some voters, briefly : INDS
The answer "INDS" is short for "independents," which refers to some voters who do not align with a particular political party.
Source of pain for some runners, familiarly : IT BAND
The IT band, short for iliotibial band, is a common source of pain for runners, especially when it becomes tight or inflamed due to overuse. It runs along the outside of the thigh and can cause discomfort during running.
Spanish “that” : ESO
The Spanish word for "that" is "eso." It is a commonly used pronoun in the Spanish language, making it the correct answer for this crossword clue.
Spanish “that” : ESO
"Spanish 'that'" is a clue asking for the Spanish word for "that," which is "esa." It is the feminine form of "that" in Spanish.
Spanish “that” : ESO
The Spanish word for "that" is "eso." It is a common and straightforward translation.
State park activity : HIKE
"Hike" is the right solution because it is a common activity that people do in state parks, involving walking in nature along designated trails.
Suite spot : HOTEL
The word "suite" can refer to a set of rooms in a hotel. Therefore, the "suite spot" would be the place where suites are located, which is a hotel.
Suite spot : HOTEL
The word "suite" in the clue suggests a place where suites are available, which is a hotel. So, "Suite spot" is a play on words indicating the right answer is "HOTEL."
Taxonomy rank : SPECIES
The answer "SPECIES" is the correct solution because it is a rank in the scientific classification system called taxonomy, which categorizes living organisms into different groups based on their similarities.
Team that went to the NBA Finals with Durant, Harden, and Westbrook, familiarly : OKC THUNDER
The team that went to the NBA Finals with Durant, Harden, and Westbrook is commonly known as the "OKC THUNDER" because they played for the Oklahoma City Thunder during that time.
Vittles : CHOW
The word "chow" is a slang term for food or vittles, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Vittles."
Williams title reptile : IGUANA
The answer is "IGUANA" because "Williams" refers to the famous playwright Tennessee Williams, who wrote a play called "The Night of the Iguana," featuring a prominent iguana character.
Wizard : MAGE
The answer "MAGE" is a synonym for "wizard" commonly used in fantasy literature and games.
__ filter : HEPA
The answer to "__ filter" is "HEPA" because HEPA stands for High Efficiency Particulate Air, which is a type of filter commonly used to remove small particles and allergens from the air.
__ filter : HEPA
"HEPA" is the right answer because it is a type of filter known for its high efficiency in trapping very small particles, including allergens and pollutants.
“Clearly” : I SEE
The answer "I SEE" is a common phrase used to indicate understanding or clarity, making it a fitting response to the clue "Clearly."
“I’m free to help” : USE ME
"USE ME" is the right solution because it means offering oneself to help, indicating availability and willingness to assist.
“Rectify” star Young : ADEN
“Right … hadn’t thought of that” : AH … GOTCHA
The answer "AH ... GOTCHA" fits the clue because it suggests a sudden realization or understanding, as if someone has just figured something out. The interjection "AH" indicates a moment of realization or insight, while "GOTCHA" signifies understanding or catching on to something. Together, they convey the idea of suddenly comprehending a new perspective or information.
“That’s … really off the mark” : UH … NO
"UH ... NO" is a common phrase used to express disagreement or to indicate that something is incorrect or off the mark. In this context, it fits perfectly as a response to the statement "That's ... really off the mark."
“¡__ mío!” : DIOS
The phrase "¡__ mío!" is a Spanish expression that translates to "Oh my __!" The most common word that fills in the blank is "Dios," which means "God" in Spanish. So, the answer "DIOS" fits the clue.