Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 11 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.
2012 World Series MVP Sandoval : PABLO
The answer is "PABLO" because Pablo Sandoval was the World Series MVP in 2012.
2023 Academy Honorary Award recipient Bassett : ANGELA
Angela Bassett is an actress who is set to receive an Honorary Award at the 2023 Academy Awards, making "ANGELA" the correct answer for the clue.
Acid counterpart : BASE
In chemistry, an acid and a base are two fundamental categories of compounds that react with each other. They are considered opposites, or counterparts, in terms of their chemical properties. So, "Acid counterpart" refers to a base, making "BASE" the right solution.
Anti-narcotics org. : DEA
DEA stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for combating drug smuggling and use within the United States. Therefore, DEA is the correct answer for "Anti-narcotics org."
Anti-narcotics org. : DEA
DEA stands for Drug Enforcement Administration, which is a U.S. federal law enforcement agency responsible for combating drug smuggling and use. Therefore, it is the correct answer for the clue "Anti-narcotics org."
Aunts in la familia : TIAS
The answer "TIAS" is the right solution because "TIAS" is the Spanish word for aunts, and the clue "Aunts in la familia" indicates that the answer should be in Spanish.
Barter : SWAP
The word "swap" means to exchange something for something else, which is essentially what bartering is - trading goods or services without using money.
Big name in tiny candies : NERDS
The answer "NERDS" fits the clue because Nerds is a well-known brand of small, colorful candy that comes in tiny, bite-sized pieces.
Border city on the Rio Grande : LAREDO
The city of Laredo is located on the Rio Grande River, which forms part of the border between the United States and Mexico. This makes it a border city on the Rio Grande.
British nobleman : LORD
The answer to "British nobleman" is "LORD" because "LORD" is a title given to a British nobleman, typically ranking below a duke and above a knight.
British nobleman : LORD
The answer "LORD" fits because a British nobleman is often addressed as "Lord" followed by their title, like Lord Smith or Lord Jones.
Burdened by debt : IN A HOLE
The phrase "in a hole" is a colloquial expression that means being burdened by debt or in a difficult financial situation.
Button that may submit an online form : SEND
The button that is commonly used to submit an online form is often labeled as "SEND," indicating that the information entered will be sent to the recipient.
Camera __ : SHY
"Camera shy" is a common phrase used to describe someone who is uncomfortable or nervous about having their picture taken. In this case, "Camera __" is asking for a word that fits with "shy" to complete the phrase.
Carried debt : OWED
"Carried debt" is a clue that indicates someone owes money to someone else. The word "OWED" fits perfectly as it means to be in debt or to have an obligation to pay back money.
Casual affirmative : YUP
"YEP" is a casual way of saying "yes," making it a fitting answer for the clue "Casual affirmative."
Casual affirmative : YUP
"YUP" is a casual way of saying "yes," making it a fitting answer for the clue "Casual affirmative."
Common London weather : FOG
The answer "FOG" fits the clue "Common London weather" because fog is a common weather phenomenon in London due to its proximity to the River Thames and the city's overall climate.
Competed in a turkey trot : RAN
"Competed in a turkey trot" is a clue that suggests physical activity. "RAN" is the right answer as it is a common way to describe participating in a race or competition by moving quickly on foot.
Cup holder locale, perhaps : ARM
This clue is a play on words. "Cup holder locale" refers to where you might find a cup holder in a car, which is typically on the armrest. So, the answer "ARM" fits the clue.
Declare bluntly : AVOW
"Declare" is a synonym for "avow", and "bluntly" suggests a straightforward or direct manner of speaking, which also fits with "avow". Therefore, "AVOW" is the right solution for the clue "Declare bluntly".
Declare bluntly : AVOW
AVOW means to assert or confess openly. In this case, "Declare bluntly" is a clue asking for a synonym for openly asserting something, which fits the definition of AVOW.
Destination after a promposal : DANCE
The answer "DANCE" is the right solution because after a promposal, the next event or destination is typically the school dance.
Distinguishing feature of some languages : TONE
In some languages, the tone in which a word is spoken can change its meaning. This distinguishing feature is known as tone, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Fair-weather __ : FAN
"Fair-weather" is a term often used to describe fans who only support a team when they are winning. Therefore, the answer "FAN" fits the clue as it refers to someone who supports a team only in good times.
Feathery accessory : BOA
A "BOA" is a feathery accessory often worn around the neck, making it the correct answer to the clue "Feathery accessory."
Goalie’s success : SAVE
The answer "SAVE" is the right solution because a goalie's success is often measured by their ability to prevent the opposing team from scoring by making saves.
Historic time : ERA Down 1 Nervous twitches
The answer "ERA" fits the clue "Historic time" because an era refers to a particular period in history characterized by particular events, culture, or significant developments.
ID checker at a nightclub : BOUNCER
"Bouncer" is the right answer because an ID checker at a nightclub is typically a bouncer who checks IDs to ensure that only those of legal age are allowed entry.
Irish novelist who writes the “Dublin Murder Squad” series : TANA FRENCH
Tana French is an Irish novelist known for writing the "Dublin Murder Squad" series, making her the correct answer to the clue.
Kind of paper in a gift bag : TISSUE
The answer "TISSUE" is the right solution because tissue paper is commonly used in gift bags to add a decorative touch and protect the gift inside.
Lars of Metallica : ULRICH
The answer "ULRICH" fits the clue "Lars of Metallica" because Lars Ulrich is the drummer and co-founder of the band Metallica.
Long, relaxing baths : HOT SOAKS
The answer "HOT SOAKS" fits the clue "Long, relaxing baths" because soaking in hot water is a common way to relax and unwind in a bath.
Musical set at the Kit Kat Klub : CABARET
"CABARET" is the right solution because it is a musical that is set at the Kit Kat Klub. It is a popular Broadway musical that takes place in Berlin during the rise of the Nazis.
Not fitting : INAPT
The word "inapt" means not fitting or unsuitable, making it the correct answer to the clue "Not fitting."
Office 34-Down : MEMO
The answer "MEMO" fits the clue "Office 34-Down" because a memo is a common document typically used in office settings for internal communication.
Pants, in slang : TROU
unknown
Peru native : INCA
The Inca were a native people of Peru, known for their advanced civilization in the Andes Mountains. Therefore, "Peru native" is referring to the Inca people.
Piercing tool that resembles a screwdriver : AWL
An awl is a piercing tool with a sharp point that resembles a screwdriver. It is commonly used for making holes in materials like leather or wood.
Pilot gear? : PENS
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?"
Rule, for short : REG
"Rule" is a synonym for "regulation" and "REG" is a common abbreviation for "regulation". Therefore, "Rule, for short" can be clued as "REG".
Rule, for short : REG
"Rule, for short" is a common abbreviation for the word "regulation," which is shortened to "REG." This abbreviation is often used in legal or governmental contexts.
Salute in ancient Rome : HAIL, CAESAR!
The answer "HAIL, CAESAR!" fits the clue "Salute in ancient Rome" because "HAIL" was a common greeting in ancient Rome, and "CAESAR" refers to Julius Caesar, a prominent Roman leader. Together, they form a phrase that would be used to show respect or greet someone in ancient Rome.
Scary Halloween venue : HAUNTED HOUSE
The answer "HAUNTED HOUSE" fits the clue "Scary Halloween venue" because haunted houses are a popular attraction during Halloween known for their spooky and frightening decorations, sounds, and experiences. It is a place where people go to be scared for entertainment.
Scout who may sell cookies : BROWNIE
The answer "BROWNIE" is the right solution because Brownies are a level of Girl Scouts who are known for selling cookies as part of their fundraising activities.
Seethe : STEW
The word "seethe" can mean to be in a state of extreme agitation or anger. "Stew" can be used as a synonym for this kind of simmering anger or agitation, making it the right solution.
Seethe : STEW
The word "seethe" is a synonym for "boil" when referring to being extremely angry or agitated. So, "boil" is the right answer for this clue.
Severe scolding, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have? : DRESSING DOWN
The phrase "DRESSING DOWN" means giving someone a severe scolding. The starred clues in the crossword likely involve clothing items that can be "dressed down" to create new outfits, hence the connection to the final answer.
Short message : NOTE
The answer "NOTE" fits the clue "Short message" because a note is a brief written message or a short communication typically used to convey information concisely.
Skin art, for short : TAT
"TAT" is a common abbreviation for "tattoo," which is a form of skin art.
Solving crosswords, for some : HOBBY
The answer "HOBBY" fits the clue "Solving crosswords, for some" because solving crosswords is a hobby for many people. It is an activity that some enjoy doing in their free time.
Spared no expense : SPLURGED
The phrase "spared no expense" means spending a lot of money without holding back. The word "splurged" is a synonym for spending extravagantly or indulgently, making it the right solution for this clue.
Spy follower? : -WARE
The answer "-WARE" completes the word "Spyware," which is a type of software that secretly gathers user information. The clue "Spy follower?" indicates that "-WARE" follows the word "Spy" to form a common term in the tech world.
Tackle box supply : LURES
The answer "HOOKS" is the right solution because hooks are commonly found in tackle boxes and are essential for fishing.
Tackle box supply : LURES
The answer "LURES" fits the clue "Tackle box supply" because lures are artificial baits used by anglers to attract and catch fish. They are commonly stored in a tackle box along with other fishing gear.
Thick 4- metaphor : PEA SOUP
The answer "PEA SOUP" fits the clue "Thick 4- metaphor" because "pea soup" is a common metaphor for thick fog due to its similar appearance and consistency.
Tool with teeth : SAW
The answer "SAW" fits the clue "Tool with teeth" because a saw is a tool that has sharp teeth along its edge used for cutting through materials like wood or metal.
Unit on a kitchen scale : GRAM
The unit used on a kitchen scale is typically "gram" because it is a small unit of measurement suitable for measuring ingredients accurately in cooking and baking.
Vacation spot with horses : DUDE RANCH
"Dude ranch" is a vacation spot where guests can participate in activities such as horseback riding. Horses are a prominent feature of dude ranches, making it the right answer to the clue "Vacation spot with horses."
Way of thinking : MINDSET
"MINDSET" is the right solution because it refers to a person's attitude or way of thinking about things. It encompasses beliefs and perspectives that shape how someone approaches situations or problems.
Word sung twice after “Que” in a classic song : … SERA
This is the right solution because the phrase "Que será, será" is from the classic song "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" by Doris Day.
Works a summer office job, perhaps : INTERNS
The answer "INTERNS" fits because interns often work temporary office jobs during the summer to gain experience in their field.
WSW opposite : ENE
"WSW" stands for West-Southwest, which is a direction on a compass. The opposite direction of West-Southwest is East-Northeast, abbreviated as "ENE". This is why "ENE" is the correct answer to the clue.
__ moment : AHA
The answer "AHA" fits the clue "__ moment" because it represents a sudden realization or understanding, often accompanied by a feeling of enlightenment or clarity.
__ sauce : SOY
"Weak sauce" is a slang term meaning something is unimpressive or inadequate. Therefore, the answer to "__ sauce" is "WEAK".
__ sauce : SOY
The answer to "__ sauce" is "SOY" because soy sauce is a popular and commonly used condiment in many Asian cuisines.
__ sauce : SOY
__ sauce : SOY
__ sauce : SOY
"__ sauce" is a common clue for the answer "SOY" because soy sauce is a popular condiment used in many Asian cuisines.
__ shirt : MUSCLE
The answer "MUSCLE" fits the clue "__ shirt" because a "muscle shirt" is a type of sleeveless shirt that showcases the wearer's muscles.
“Advancing the power of facts” journalism website : AP NEWS
The answer is "AP NEWS" because AP stands for Associated Press, a reputable news agency known for factual reporting. Their website focuses on delivering news based on facts.
“Don’t let the thieves escape!” : GET ‘EM!
The phrase "GET ‘EM!" is a common exclamation used to urge someone to catch or apprehend someone, like thieves trying to escape.
“Sex Education” actor Butterfield : ASA
Asa Butterfield is an actor known for his role in the TV show "Sex Education." Therefore, the answer to the clue "“Sex Education” actor Butterfield" is "ASA."
“You’re not making this up?” : FOR REAL?
The phrase "For real?" is often used to confirm if something is true or not, making it a fitting response to the question "You're not making this up?"