Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 4 December 2024, Wednesday. 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.
Beginning of an idea : SEED
"SEED" is the right solution because just like a seed is the starting point of a plant, an idea begins with a small seed of thought that can grow into something bigger and more developed.
Beyond discouraged : TABOO
The word "TABOO" means prohibited or forbidden, which goes beyond just being discouraged.
Bit : TAD
"TAD" is a synonym for "bit" meaning a small amount or quantity of something.
Bit : TAD
The word "bit" is often used to refer to a small amount or a small piece of something. "Tad" is a synonym for a small amount, making it a fitting answer for the clue.
Bit : TAD
"TAD" is a synonym for "bit," meaning a small amount or a small part of something. In crossword puzzles, it is common for clues to use synonyms or related words to lead to the correct answer.
Bit : TAD
"TAD" is a synonym for a small amount or bit. It fits the clue "Bit" as it refers to a small quantity or fragment.
Bodies of water : SEAS
"SEAS" is the right answer because seas are bodies of saltwater that are smaller than oceans. They are commonly found on the Earth's surface.
Boston NBA team, colloquially : CELTS
The Boston NBA team is colloquially referred to as the "Celts," short for Celtics. The team name is commonly abbreviated to "CELTICS" in sports discussions, making "CELTS" a fitting answer for the crossword clue.
Brief kiss : PECK
The answer "PECK" fits the clue "Brief kiss" because a peck is a quick and light kiss.
Business entities : FIRMS
The term "FIRMS" is a common synonym for business entities, referring to companies or corporations. It is a concise and fitting answer that aligns with the clue provided.
Checked out before a heist : CASED
"Cased" is the right solution because in the context of a heist, to "case" a place means to carefully inspect and observe it before carrying out a robbery or theft.
Comic strip reporter Brenda : STARR
Brenda Starr is the name of a fictional reporter in a comic strip, making "STARR" the correct answer for the clue.
CSI sample : DNA
The answer "DNA" is the right solution because in CSI investigations, DNA samples are often collected and analyzed as evidence to help solve crimes.
Dentist’s procedure : X-RAY
The answer "X-RAY" is a common procedure done by dentists to see inside a patient's mouth and identify any issues or problems.
Didn’t make the team’s final roster : GOT CUT
The term "got cut" is a common sports expression meaning to be removed from a team's final roster. It fits the clue "Didn’t make the team’s final roster" perfectly.
Dover landmarks : CLIFFS
The white cliffs of Dover are famous landmarks in England, making "CLIFFS" the correct answer.
Drive away : CHASE OFF
"Drive away" is a phrase that means to force someone or something to leave a place. "Chase off" is a synonym for this phrase, as it means to pursue and force someone or something to leave.
Excalibur, for one : SWORD
The clue "Excalibur, for one" is a hint that we are looking for a type of weapon. Excalibur is a famous sword from Arthurian legend, so the answer "SWORD" fits the clue.
Forever, figuratively : EON
"EON" is the right answer because an eon is a very long period of time, often considered to be forever in a figurative sense.
Gelato receptacle : CONE
The answer "CONE" is the right solution because gelato is commonly served in a cone, which is a crispy, conical-shaped pastry.
Goose-bumps-causing : EERIE
"EERIE" is the right solution because it means strange and frightening in a way that makes you nervous. It is often used to describe something that gives you goosebumps, hence it is a fitting answer to the clue "Goose-bumps-causing."
Guitar part : FRET
"FRET" is the right answer because a fret is a raised strip on the neck of a guitar that shortens the vibrating length of the strings, producing different notes when pressed down.
Hip-hop’s __ Clan : WU-TANG
The answer "WU-TANG" fits the clue "Hip-hop’s __ Clan" because the Wu-Tang Clan is a famous hip-hop group known for their innovative style and influential contributions to the genre.
Hit the slopes : SKI
The answer to "Hit the slopes" is "SKI" because skiing is a popular activity that involves sliding down snowy slopes using skis.
Hit the slopes : SKI
The answer "SKI" is the right solution because "skiing" is a popular winter sport that involves sliding down snow-covered slopes using skis attached to the feet.
Hold in esteem : VALUE
The word "value" means to hold in esteem or regard highly, making it the right answer for the clue "Hold in esteem."
HSN alternative : QVC
QVC is a popular television network that specializes in home shopping, making it a suitable alternative to HSN (Home Shopping Network).
Included on an email : CC’ED
The term "CC" stands for "carbon copy," and it is used in email to indicate that a recipient is receiving a copy of the email for informational purposes. Therefore, "CC'ED" is the right answer for "Included on an email" as it refers to someone being CC'ed on the email.
Ingredient in some 55- treatments : ALOE
The answer "ALOE" is the right solution because aloe is a common ingredient in treatments for sunburns, which are often rated on a scale of 1 to 55 for severity.
Iranian tongue : FARSI
The Iranian language commonly known as Farsi is spoken in Iran and is the official language of the country.
Japanese sash : OBI
An obi is a traditional Japanese sash that is used to secure and decorate a kimono. It is usually made of a wide strip of fabric that is wrapped around the waist and tied in a decorative knot at the back. Therefore, "Japanese sash" is a fitting clue for the answer "OBI".
Japanese sash : OBI
"OBI" is the right solution because an obi is a traditional Japanese sash that is worn with a kimono.
Khaki kin : TAN
The answer to "Khaki kin" is "TAN" because khaki is a shade of brownish-yellow, and "TAN" is a color that closely resembles khaki.
Khaki kin : TAN
"TAN" is the right solution because khaki is a light brown color, and tan is a shade of brown that is similar to khaki.
List of appts. : SKED
"List of appts." is a common abbreviation for "schedule," which is often shortened to "sked" in informal contexts.
Little one : TOT
The word "tot" is a common term used to refer to a small child or a little one. Therefore, "Little one" is a fitting clue for the answer "TOT".
Little one : TOT
The answer "TOT" fits the clue "Little one" because a tot is a small child or toddler.
Makes catty comments : SNARKS Down 1 Lower leg
The answer "SNARKS" fits the clue "Makes catty comments" because "snark" is a slang term for making sarcastic or cutting remarks. It fits the definition of making catty comments.
Minolta partner : KONICA
"Minolta partner" refers to the merger of two camera companies, Minolta and Konica, in 2003. The combined company was known as Konica Minolta, hence the answer "KONICA" for this crossword clue.
Moisturizer target : DRY SKIN
The answer "DRY SKIN" fits the clue "Moisturizer target" because moisturizer is used to hydrate and nourish dry skin, making it the specific issue the product is designed to address.
Not busy : IDLE
"SLOW" is the right solution for "Not busy" because when something is slow, it is not happening quickly or at a fast pace, which can be a characteristic of not being busy.
Not busy : IDLE
"IDLE" means not busy or inactive, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Not busy."
Opt for : DECIDE ON
The answer "DECIDE ON" fits the clue "Opt for" because when you decide on something, you are choosing or selecting it, which is another way of saying you are opting for it.
Pedometer units : STEPS
The answer "STEPS" is the right solution because pedometers measure the number of steps a person takes.
Polish tennis star Swiatek : IGA
The answer is "IGA" because Iga Swiatek is a Polish tennis star who won the French Open in 2020.
Pop in for a scene, say : CAMEO
The term "cameo" refers to a brief appearance or role by a well-known person in a movie or TV show. In this context, "Pop in for a scene, say" suggests a short appearance, making "CAMEO" the correct answer.
Prefix with natal : NEO-
The prefix "neo-" means new or recent. When added to "natal", which refers to birth, it creates the word "neonatal" which means relating to newborn infants. Therefore, the answer to "Prefix with natal" is "NEO".
Prefix with natal : NEO-
The prefix "neo-" means new or recent. When combined with "natal," which relates to birth, it forms the word "neonatal" which refers to the period immediately following birth.
Santa’s laugh : HO HO HO!
The answer "HO HO HO!" is the right solution because it is a common representation of Santa's jolly laugh in popular culture.
Scuba necessity : TANK
The answer "TANK" is the right solution because scuba divers use a tank to carry compressed air for breathing underwater.
Singer Kristofferson : KRIS
Kris Kristofferson is a well-known singer and songwriter, so "Singer Kristofferson" is a clear clue for the answer "KRIS."
Skeptical about : WARY OF
"WARY OF" is the right solution because "skeptical about" and "wary of" both convey a sense of caution or hesitation towards something, making them synonymous in this context.
Small intake : SIP
"SIP" is the right solution for "Small intake" because a sip is a small amount of liquid taken into the mouth at one time.
Smallish batteries : AAAS
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 : AAAS
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 : AAAS
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 : AAAS
The answer "AAAS" fits the clue "Smallish batteries" because AAAs are a common size of small batteries used in various electronic devices.
Sneakers, informally : KICKS
"Kicks" is a slang term for sneakers or athletic shoes. It is commonly used among young people and sneaker enthusiasts. Therefore, "Sneakers, informally" can be clued as "Kicks".
Sneakers, informally : KICKS
The word "kicks" is a slang term often used informally to refer to sneakers.
Some haciendas : ADOBES
The answer "ADOBE" refers to a type of building material commonly used in haciendas, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Some haciendas."
Somewhat ruddy : REDDISH
The word "reddish" means somewhat red in color, which matches the clue "Somewhat ruddy." It is a synonym for slightly red or rosy.
Speedy beverage option? : BRISK ICED TEA
The clue "Speedy beverage option?" suggests a beverage that is quick to prepare and consume. "BRISK ICED TEA" fits this clue as it is a ready-to-drink iced tea brand that is known for its quick and convenient packaging.
Speedy breakfast option? : QUICK GRITS
The answer "QUICK GRITS" fits the clue because "QUICK" suggests speed, and "GRITS" is a common breakfast option that can be prepared quickly.
Speedy dinner option? : INSTANT RAMEN
The answer "INSTANT RAMEN" fits the clue "Speedy dinner option?" because instant ramen noodles are quick and easy to prepare, making them a convenient choice for a fast meal.
Speedy meal option, and what the answers to the starred clues literally are? : FAST FOOD
The starred clues in the crossword refer to types of food that can be prepared quickly, like "microwave dinner" or "instant noodles." When you put these answers together, they spell out "FAST FOOD," which is a speedy meal option.
Speedy side dish option? : MINUTE RICE
"MINUTE RICE" is the right solution because it is a type of rice that cooks quickly, making it a speedy side dish option. The term "minute" in the answer hints at the quick cooking time of this type of rice.
Strength of character : METTLE
"Mettle" is the right answer because it refers to a person's ability to cope with difficulties or face a demanding situation with courage and resilience, showcasing their strength of character.
Suffix with home or farm : -STEAD
The suffix "-stead" is added to words like home or farm to refer to a place or location. For example, "homestead" means a house and the land surrounding it.
Taylor who was Time’s 2023 Person of the Year : SWIFT
The answer "SWIFT" fits the clue because Taylor Swift was named Time's Person of the Year in 2023.
Texter’s “No clue” : IDK
The answer "IDK" stands for "I don't know," which is a common response used by texters when they have no clue about something.
Tidy : NEAT
"Neat" is a synonym for tidy, meaning clean and well-organized. In crossword puzzles, it's common for answers to be synonyms of the clue to maintain the puzzle's challenge and wordplay.
Tools for fall guys? : RAKES
The clue "Tools for fall guys?" is a play on words. "Fall guys" can refer to people who take the blame for others, and in this case, it is referring to the season of fall. Rakes are tools used to gather leaves during the fall season, making "RAKES" the correct answer.
Two, in Trois-Rivières : DEUX
The clue "Two, in Trois-Rivières" is asking for the French word for "two" in the specific location of Trois-Rivières, which is "DEUX" in French.
Video file format : MPEG
The answer is "MPEG" because it is a common video file format that stands for Moving Picture Experts Group. It is widely used for storing and transmitting video files.
Wall Street figure : TRADER
"Trader" is a fitting answer for "Wall Street figure" because traders are individuals who buy and sell financial instruments like stocks, bonds, and commodities on Wall Street. They play a crucial role in the financial markets by facilitating the buying and selling of these assets.
Whisky, e.g. : SCOTCH
The answer "SCOTCH" fits the clue "Whisky, e.g." because Scotch is a type of whisky that is specifically made in Scotland.
Wide open : AGAPE
"Agape" means wide open in Greek. It is commonly used in English to describe something that is wide open or gaping.
Wistful sound : SIGH
The word "SIGH" is the right solution because a sigh is often considered a wistful sound, expressing longing or sadness.
Yorke of Radiohead : THOM
THOM is the right answer because it is a common abbreviation for the first name of Radiohead's lead singer, Thom Yorke.
__ dollar : SAND
__ the pot : STIR
The phrase "stir the pot" is a common idiom meaning to cause trouble or provoke discord. The word "stir" in this context means to agitate or mix, which fits the clue.
__-A-Fella Records : Jay-Z label
Jay-Z is a well-known rapper and music producer who founded the record label Roc-A-Fella Records in 1995. Therefore, "__-A-Fella Records" can be correctly filled with "Jay-Z label" as he is associated with the label.
__-at-ease : ILL
unknown
“Jeepers!” : YIKES!
The answer "YIKES!" fits the clue "Jeepers!" because both are expressions of surprise or alarm.
“Just joshing!” : I KID!
"I KID!" is a phrase commonly used to indicate that someone is joking or teasing, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Just joshing!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Les Misérables” novelist Victor : HUGO
Victor Hugo is the author of the novel "Les Misérables," making "HUGO" the correct answer.