Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 18 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.
1983 Tom Cruise teen comedy : RISKY BUSINESS
The answer "RISKY BUSINESS" fits the clue "1983 Tom Cruise teen comedy" because it is the title of a movie released in 1983 starring Tom Cruise as a teenager who gets involved in risky and comedic situations while running a brothel from his parents' house.
Academy cadet : PLEBE
The term "PLEBE" is often used to refer to a first-year student at a military academy, such as West Point. The word is derived from the term "plebeian," meaning a commoner or a member of the lower class. In the context of a military academy, "PLEBE" specifically refers to a freshman cadet or a new recruit.
Academy honors : OSCARS
The Academy honors refers to the Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars.
Alaskan bear : KODIAK
The Kodiak bear is a subspecies of brown bear that is native to the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, making "Kodiak" the correct answer for the clue "Alaskan bear."
Automated spammer : BOT
"BOT" is the right solution because it is a commonly used term to refer to automated programs that perform tasks on the internet, including sending spam messages.
Bandleader of the Electric Mayhem on “The Muppet Show” : DR TEETH
Dr. Teeth is the bandleader of the Electric Mayhem on "The Muppet Show." He is a prominent character known for his musical talents and distinctive appearance, making him the correct answer to the clue.
Barista canvas : LATTE
The answer "LATTE" fits the clue "Barista canvas" because a latte is a coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk, which a barista would typically create on a canvas such as a cup or glass.
Bluffer’s giveaway : TELL
The answer "TELL" is the right solution because a bluffer's giveaway is a subtle hint or sign that reveals the truth, which is often referred to as a "tell" in poker or other games.
Brazen : BRASH
"Brash" is a synonym for "brazen," meaning bold or showing a lack of respect in a bold way. It fits the clue because it captures the idea of being bold or shameless, making it the correct answer.
Bunsen burner setting : LAB
The answer "LAB" is the right solution because a Bunsen burner is commonly used in a laboratory setting, making "LAB" the appropriate answer for the clue.
Chicken Little’s warning, and an apt title for this puzzle? : THE SKY IS FALLING
The answer "THE SKY IS FALLING" is the right solution because it is Chicken Little's warning in the fable where he believes the sky is falling. In this puzzle, the theme likely revolves around this warning, making it an apt title.
Christen : BAPTIZE
"BAPTIZE" is the right solution because it means to perform a Christian sacrament of initiation and admission almost universally with water, as a sign of cleansing and purification.
City in Provence : ARLES
The answer to "City in Provence" is "ARLES" because Arles is a city located in the region of Provence in southern France.
City in Provence : ARLES
ARLES is a city in the Provence region of France, known for its Roman and Romanesque architecture, including the Roman amphitheater.
Code with dits and dahs : MORSE
"MORSE" is the right solution because Morse code is a method of communication using dots (dits) and dashes (dahs) to represent letters and numbers.
Condition that may be treated with exposure therapy, for short : PTSD
The answer "PTSD" is the right solution because PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that can be treated with exposure therapy, which involves gradually facing and processing traumatic memories or situations.
Count (on) : RELY
The word "rely" means to depend on or trust in someone or something, which fits the clue "Count (on)" as it suggests depending on someone or something.
Daughter’s brother : SON
The clue "Daughter's brother" is asking for the male sibling of a daughter, which is a son. So, the answer is "SON."
Dec. 25, for Justin Trudeau : B’DAY
The answer "B'DAY" is short for "birthday," which is what Dec. 25 is for Justin Trudeau.
Decongestant brand : SUDAFED
The answer "SUDAFED" fits the clue "Decongestant brand" because SUDAFED is a well-known brand of decongestant medication commonly used to relieve nasal congestion.
Deliberate loss : DIVE
The answer "DIVE" fits the clue "Deliberate loss" because in sports like soccer or basketball, a player might intentionally fall to the ground to deceive the referee into awarding a free kick or penalty, which is known as a "dive."
Digs into new digs, say : RE-ROOTS
Energizer options : AAAS
The answer "AAAS" is the right solution because Energizer is a brand known for producing batteries, and "AAAs" are a common type of battery size.
Fast-__ restaurant : CASUAL
The answer "CASUAL" fits the clue "Fast-__ restaurant" because a fast-casual restaurant is a type of dining establishment that offers quick service but with higher quality food and a more upscale atmosphere than traditional fast food restaurants.
Feel rotten : AIL
"AIL" is the right answer because it means to feel unwell or troubled, which matches the clue "Feel rotten."
Filmmaker Nora : EPHRON
The answer to "Filmmaker Nora" is "EPHRON" because Nora Ephron was a well-known filmmaker, writer, and director.
Filmmaker Nora : EPHRON
Nora Ephron was a well-known filmmaker, writer, and director, known for movies like "Sleepless in Seattle" and "When Harry Met Sally." Therefore, "Filmmaker Nora" refers to Nora Ephron.
Foot-long sandwich : HERO
The term "hero" is a type of sandwich that is typically long and filled with various meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It is commonly referred to as a foot-long sandwich due to its size, making it the correct answer to the clue "Foot-long sandwich."
Fossil-preserving spots : TAR PITS
"TAR PITS" are known for preserving fossils due to the sticky tar that traps and preserves the remains of animals over time.
Frozen dessert : SHERBET
The answer "SHERBET" fits the clue "Frozen dessert" because sherbet is a frozen dessert made from fruit juice or puree, sugar, and water, often with added milk or cream.
Green spot in a concrete jungle : URBAN OASIS
The answer "URBAN OASIS" fits the clue "Green spot in a concrete jungle" because an urban oasis refers to a peaceful, green area within a bustling city environment, providing a sense of calm and nature amidst the urban landscape.
Hangout for a long-distance couple : SKYPE DATE
The answer "SKYPE DATE" fits the clue because Skype is a popular platform for video calls, making it a common way for long-distance couples to hang out virtually.
Hosp. triage units : ERS
The abbreviation "ERS" stands for Emergency Rooms, which are hospital triage units where patients are initially assessed and treated based on the severity of their condition.
Imminently : SOON
The word "imminently" indicates that something is about to happen very soon. "Soon" is a synonym for "imminently," making it the right answer.
Lawyer Goodman in the “Breaking Bad” franchise : SAUL
"Saul" is the right answer because the character's name is Saul Goodman in the "Breaking Bad" franchise.
Magnetic power : ALLURE
The word "allure" means the power to attract or charm. In the context of the clue "Magnetic power," the word "allure" fits as it describes the ability to draw or captivate others.
Newcastle Brown __ : ALE
The clue "Newcastle Brown __" indicates that we are looking for a type of alcoholic beverage. "Ale" is a type of beer, making it the correct answer.
Obedience school item : LEASH
The answer "LEASH" fits the clue "Obedience school item" because a leash is a common tool used in obedience training to control and guide a dog during lessons and walks. It is an essential item for teaching a dog to follow commands and behave properly.
Orthodontist’s instruction : BITE
The answer "BITE" fits the clue "Orthodontist's instruction" because orthodontists often instruct their patients to "bite down" or "bite on" certain objects or molds during dental procedures or fittings.
Play for a pawn : USE
In chess, a pawn is a game piece that can be used strategically. Therefore, the answer "USE" fits the clue "Play for a pawn" as it signifies using a pawn in a game of chess.
Poker game starter : ANTE
The "ANTE" is the initial bet that each player must put into the pot before the poker game begins.
Pollinators that can see in the ultraviolet spectrum : BEES Down 1 Feminine pronoun
Radiator sound : HISS
The answer "HISS" is the right solution for "Radiator sound" because a hissing sound is commonly associated with a radiator when there is trapped air or steam escaping from the system.
Range listed on board games : AGES
The answer "AGES" refers to the recommended age range for players of board games, which is often listed on the game's packaging or instructions.
Roman of “The Ms. Pat Show” : TAMI
unknown
Scepter companion : ORB
The word "ORB" is a common companion to a scepter, often used by royalty and symbolizing power and authority.
Shaped : MOLDED
The word "molded" can mean to have been given a particular shape or form, which fits the clue "Shaped."
Shearing day sound : BAA!
"BAA!" is the sound that a sheep makes, and shearing day involves cutting the wool off sheep. Therefore, the answer "BAA!" fits the clue "Shearing day sound."
Sly tactics : RUSES
"RUSES" is the right answer because it is a synonym for cunning or deceptive strategies, which are often referred to as sly tactics.
Subj.-specific exam for the college-bound : AP TEST
The answer is "AP TEST" because AP stands for Advanced Placement, and it is a subject-specific exam taken by high school students to earn college credit.
Sunday __ : dread of returning to work on Monday
The answer "dread of returning to work on Monday" fits the clue "Sunday __" because many people experience this feeling on Sundays as they anticipate the start of the workweek on Monday.
Tax form ID : SSN
The answer "SSN" stands for Social Security Number, which is a unique identification number used for tax purposes in the United States.
Tempe sch. : ASU
"Tempe sch." is a shortened form of "Tempe school," referring to a school in Tempe, Arizona. "ASU" stands for Arizona State University, which is located in Tempe and is therefore the correct answer.
Tempe sch. : ASU
The abbreviation "sch." commonly refers to "school." "ASU" stands for Arizona State University, which is located in Tempe, Arizona. Therefore, the answer to "Tempe sch." is "ASU."
Under-the-sink piece : P-TRAP
The answer "P-TRAP" is correct because a P-trap is a plumbing component commonly found under the sink that prevents sewer gases from entering the home while allowing water to flow through.
Wave away : SHOO
"Wave away" is a clue that suggests shooing something away with a wave of the hand. "Shoo" is a common term used to make animals or people move away, making it the correct answer.
Workforce addition : HIRE
The answer "HIRE" fits the clue "Workforce addition" because when a company hires someone, they are adding them to their workforce.
“Looking for” shorthand : ISO
The answer "ISO" is the right solution for the clue "Looking for" shorthand because "ISO" is commonly used in online forums and classified ads to indicate that someone is in search of something.
“Mangia!” : EAT!
"Mangia" is an Italian word that means "eat". Therefore, "EAT!" is the appropriate answer to the clue "“Mangia!”".
“Mangia!” : EAT!
This clue is a command in Italian that translates to "Eat!" in English. Therefore, the answer "EAT!" fits perfectly.
“Pokémon” protagonist Ketchum : ASH
The answer is "ASH" because the protagonist of the "Pokémon" series is named Ash Ketchum.
“Sorry, but it’s true” : I’M AFRAID SO
This answer fits the clue because "I'M AFRAID SO" is a phrase often used to reluctantly confirm a statement, even if it may not be pleasant to hear.
“Take time to consider … ” : ASK YOURSELF …
The answer "ASK YOURSELF..." is correct because the phrase "Take time to consider" suggests reflecting on a question or issue, which is something you would typically do by asking yourself.
“The Batman” actress Kravitz : ZOE
Zoe Kravitz is the actress who plays Catwoman in the movie "The Batman," making "ZOE" the correct answer.
“Woo-hoo!” : YAY!
"FISTPUMP" is a celebratory gesture where a closed fist is raised and quickly thrust forward in a pumping motion. This gesture is often accompanied by a shout of excitement or victory, which is represented by the clue "Woo-hoo!"
“Woo-hoo!” : YAY!
The answer to ""Woo-hoo!"" is "YAY" because "YAY" is an exclamation of joy or excitement, similar to "Woo-hoo!"
“Woo-hoo!” : YAY!
The answer "YAY!" fits the clue "Woo-hoo!" because both are expressions of excitement or joy.