Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 13 December 2024, Friday. 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.
AQI monitor : EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for monitoring and reporting the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the United States. Therefore, "EPA" is the right answer for the clue "AQI monitor."
Assumes : ADOPTS
The word "adopts" can mean to assume or take on a certain position, belief, or way of behaving. In this context, "adopts" is a suitable synonym for "assumes."
Bill Withers hit that begins, “Sometimes in our lives / We all have pain” : LEAN ON ME
The answer "LEAN ON ME" fits because it is a hit song by Bill Withers that starts with the lyrics "Sometimes in our lives / We all have pain."
Boba tea flavor : TARO
"TARO" is a popular flavor for boba tea, known for its slightly sweet and nutty taste. It is a common choice at boba tea shops and fits the clue well.
Campus square : QUAD
"Quad" is the right solution because a campus square is often referred to as a "quad," short for quadrangle, which is a common term for an open area at a college or university.
Cap : LID
"LID" is a common synonym for "cap" in everyday language. Both terms can refer to a covering or top for a container or a person's head. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "LID" fits the clue "Cap" perfectly due to this common association.
Civilization-building video game series set in various years : ANNO
ANNO is a popular video game series focused on building and managing civilizations in different historical periods, hence fitting the clue "Civilization-building video game series set in various years".
Conveniently forget, maybe : OMIT
The answer "OMIT" fits the clue because when you conveniently forget something, you are choosing to leave it out or omit it.
Dense, dark rye bread : PUMPERNICKEL
"Pumpernickel" is a type of dense, dark rye bread commonly found in German cuisine. It is known for its strong flavor and dark color, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Ducked, maybe : HID
The word "ducked" can mean to hide or take cover, which is synonymous with the word "hid."
Eager agreement : WOULD I?!
The answer "WOULD I?!" is a phrase that expresses eager agreement, as it implies a strong affirmative response to a question or statement.
Flat sea urchin : SAND DOLLAR
A sand dollar is a type of flat sea urchin that is often found on sandy ocean floors, making it the correct answer to the clue "Flat sea urchin."
Flying start? : AERO-
The answer "AERO-" is the right solution because it is a prefix that relates to things in the air or aviation, making it a fitting answer for a clue about a "Flying start."
Form of downsizing, and what has affected 18-, 29-, 45-, and 57-? : SHRINKFLATION
"Shrinkflation" is the right solution because it refers to the practice of reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping its price the same, which is a form of downsizing. The affected answers 18-, 29-, 45-, and 57- all refer to specific products or items that have been subject to this practice.
Fresh air, say : BREEZE
The answer "BREEZE" fits the clue "Fresh air, say" because a breeze is a gentle wind that brings fresh air.
Graphic __ : ARTS
The phrase "Graphic __" suggests a field related to visual arts or design. "ARTS" is a common term used to refer to this field, making it the right solution for the clue.
Grocery store franchise based in Chicago : IGA
IGA stands for Independent Grocers Alliance, which is a grocery store franchise based in Chicago. This answer fits the clue because IGA is a well-known grocery store chain that originated in Chicago.
Half of roll call : ELS
The answer "ELS" is the right solution because it is half of the word "rolls" in the phrase "roll call."
Hit the deck : EAT IT
"EAT IT" is a slang term that means to fall or hit the ground, which fits the clue "Hit the deck" well. It is a common expression used in informal language, making it a suitable answer for this crossword clue.
Honest-to-goodness : REAL
"Real" is the right solution because "honest-to-goodness" is a phrase that emphasizes sincerity and truthfulness, which can be synonymous with being "real."
Like some cookware : NON-STICK
"Non-stick" is the right solution because it describes a type of cookware that has a coating preventing food from sticking to it, making cooking and cleaning easier.
Maize unit : EAR
The answer to "Maize unit" is "EAR" because an ear of maize refers to a single corn cob.
Maize unit : EAR
The answer "EAR" fits the clue "Maize unit" because an ear of corn is a common way to refer to a single unit of maize.
Major leaguer : PRO
PRO is short for professional, and a major leaguer is a professional baseball player.
Makeup of an oyster bed? : ICE
Marshmallow treat : PEEP
The answer "PEEP" is a marshmallow treat brand that is popular during Easter. It is a sugary, marshmallow candy in the shape of chicks or bunnies.
Mate mate? : SOUL-
Member of the Seven Council Fires : OGLALA
The Oglala are one of the seven tribes that make up the Sioux Nation, also known as the Seven Council Fires.
Mouth-puckering : TART
The word "sour" is commonly associated with a taste that causes the mouth to pucker, making it the correct answer for the clue "mouth-puckering."
Mouth-puckering : TART
"TART" is the right solution because something that is described as "mouth-puckering" is typically sour or sharp in taste, which is a characteristic of foods like lemons or sour candies, which are often described as tart.
Muslim festival that precedes the Tashreeq days : EID AL-ADHA
The Muslim festival that precedes the Tashreeq days is "EID AL-ADHA" because it falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, which is before the Tashreeq days that follow the festival.
Names on some college buildings : DONORS
The answer "DONORS" fits the clue "Names on some college buildings" because college buildings are often named after individuals or organizations that have donated money to the college. These individuals or organizations are commonly referred to as donors.
Ordering aid : MENU
The answer "MENU" fits the clue "Ordering aid" because a menu is a list of food and drink items available for purchase at a restaurant or cafe, which helps customers decide what to order.
Para ice hockey gear : SLEDS
Peaty wetland : FEN
"Fen" is a type of peaty wetland, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Period covered in a midterm exam, maybe : ACADEMIC QUARTER
The answer "ACADEMIC QUARTER" fits the clue because a midterm exam usually covers material studied during a specific academic quarter or term.
Phenomenon that may be explained by NASA : UFO Down 1 In a way
Private parts? : INNER SELF
The clue "Private parts?" is a play on words, suggesting that we look for a different interpretation. In this case, "inner self" fits the clue as it refers to one's personal thoughts, feelings, and identity, which are private and not visible to others.
Pulitzer category since 1970 : CRITICISM
The answer "CRITICISM" fits the clue because the Pulitzer Prize category for Criticism has been awarded since 1970.
QB feeder : CTR
The answer "CTR" stands for "center," which is a position on a football team that snaps the ball to the quarterback, making them a QB feeder.
Range whose highest point is Wahzhazhe Summit : OZARKS
The Ozarks is a range of mountains in the United States, and its highest point is Wahzhazhe Summit. Therefore, the answer to the clue "Range whose highest point is Wahzhazhe Summit" is "OZARKS."
Remind repeatedly, say : NAG
"NAG" is the right solution because it means to remind or urge someone repeatedly in a persistent or annoying way.
Results of rolling up one’s sleeves? : CUFFS
This answer plays on the double meaning of "rolling up one's sleeves," which can refer to both preparing for hard work and physically rolling the sleeves of a shirt. In this case, "CUFFS" are the ends of sleeves that can be rolled up.
Rodríguez of “Will Trent” : RAMON
Roller coaster, e.g. : RIDE
The answer "RIDE" is appropriate because a roller coaster is a type of amusement ride.
Sanskrit honorific : SRI
The answer "SRI" is a Sanskrit honorific used to show respect or reverence. It is commonly used before the names of deities or respected individuals in Hindu culture.
Second word in many fairy tales : … UPON
The answer "UPON" fits the clue because it is a common word that follows the word "once" in many fairy tales, such as "Once upon a time." It is a classic opening phrase in fairy tales, making it the second word in many of them.
Shutterbug’s initials : SLR
SLR stands for Single Lens Reflex, which is a type of camera often used by shutterbugs or photographers. The initials "SLR" are commonly associated with this type of camera, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Singular : ONE
The word "unique" means being the only one of its kind, which is synonymous with "singular."
Singular : ONE
The word "singular" means unique or one of a kind, which is represented by the number "ONE."
Small storage unit : KILOBIT
South Indian rice cake : IDLI
"IDLI" is the right solution because it is a popular South Indian dish made of rice and lentil batter that is steamed to create a soft and fluffy rice cake.
Staff : ROD
"Staff" can refer to a long stick or rod that is used for support or as a weapon. In this context, "ROD" is a synonym for staff, making it the correct answer.
Stale, in a way : OLD
The word "OLD" can be a synonym for "stale" when referring to food or ideas that are no longer fresh or new.
Subject line phrase : IN RE
"IN RE" is a common abbreviation for "in regard to," making it a fitting phrase for a subject line in a letter or email.
Superlatively smart : WISEST
"Wisest" is the superlative form of the adjective "wise," which means having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. Therefore, "Superlatively smart" can be described as "wisest."
Take back : UNDO
"Take back" means to retrieve or regain possession of something. "RECLAIM" means to retrieve or restore something that was lost or taken away. Therefore, "RECLAIM" is the right solution for the crossword clue "Take back".
Take back : UNDO
The word "UNDO" means to take back or reverse a previous action, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Take back."
Tattles (on) : DROPS A DIME
"DROPS A DIME" is a slang term meaning to inform on someone to the authorities. In this context, "tattles (on)" is a clue hinting at informing or snitching, making "DROPS A DIME" the correct answer.
Toy brand with a 3,955-piece “Home Alone” set : LEGO
LEGO is a well-known toy brand that creates building sets, including a 3,955-piece "Home Alone" set. The clue is describing a toy brand that fits this description, making LEGO the correct answer.
Treatment for tootsies : PEDI
The answer "PEDI" is short for "pedicure," which is a treatment for the feet, often referred to as "tootsies" informally.
Vote for : YEA
"Aye" is a common word used in parliamentary procedure to indicate a positive vote. Therefore, "Vote for" can be clued as "AYE".
Vote for : YEA
"Vote for" is a clue that is asking for a term that means to express approval or agreement. In this context, "YEA" is the correct answer as it is a formal way of saying yes or expressing a positive vote.
Wet weather wear : ANORAK
An anorak is a waterproof jacket typically worn in wet weather, making it the right solution for the clue "Wet weather wear."
__ squeeze : MAIN
The term "main squeeze" is a slang term for one's primary romantic partner or close companion. "Main" in this context means primary or most important.
“Great job, friend!” : LOOK AT YOU!
The phrase "Great job, friend!" is often used to acknowledge someone's accomplishment. "LOOK AT YOU!" is a similar expression of praise and excitement, making it a fitting response in this context.
“It’s my decision” : I SAY SO
The answer "I SAY SO" fits the clue "It's my decision" because the phrase "I say so" is often used to assert one's authority or make a final decision.
“Maybe give it a pass” : NO STARS
The phrase "give it a pass" suggests a lack of approval or endorsement, which can be symbolized by giving "NO STARS" in a rating system.
“Name the time and place” : I’M IN
"I’M IN" is the right solution because it is a common response when someone asks to meet at a specific time and place. It indicates agreement and willingness to attend.
“There’s no other explanation” : MUST BE
"MUST BE" is the right solution because it conveys a sense of certainty and inevitability, indicating that there is no other possible explanation for a certain situation or occurrence.