Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 19 December 2024, Thursday. 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.
26-Down weight : CARAT
CARAT is a unit of weight used for gemstones and pearls. It is commonly used to measure the weight of diamonds. So, "26-Down weight" is referring to the weight measurement of a gemstone, making CARAT the correct answer.
Action hero with amnesia : BOURNE
The answer "BOURNE" fits because the character Jason Bourne is an action hero known for having amnesia in the Bourne series of movies and books.
At the stern : AFT
"AFT" is a nautical term that refers to the back part of a ship or boat, which is the stern. So, "At the stern" is a clue for the answer "AFT."
Big stretches : EONS
"EONS" refers to a very long period of time, making it a fitting answer for "Big stretches" as it signifies vast stretches of time in the context of the clue.
Big __ Country : SKY
The phrase "Big Sky Country" is a nickname for the state of Montana in the United States, emphasizing its wide-open spaces and expansive skies.
Canon : OEUVRE
The word "oeuvre" is often used to refer to the complete works of an artist, writer, or composer, making it synonymous with "canon" in this context.
Canopy makeup : TREETOPS
The word "canopy" refers to the uppermost layer of a forest, made up of trees. Therefore, "trees" is a fitting answer for "canopy makeup."
Canopy makeup : TREETOPS
The word "TREETOPS" refers to the top part of trees that form a canopy, so it fits the clue "Canopy makeup" well.
Church cry of praise : HOSANNA!
"HOSANNA!" is a cry of praise often used in church services. It is a common expression of adoration and worship, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Church cry of praise."
Classless one : BOOR
"BOOR" is the right solution because a boor is someone who is rude, uncultured, and lacks manners, making them classless.
Classless one : BOOR
The answer "ALUM" is the right solution because it refers to someone who has graduated from a school, making them part of the alumni or "classless" group.
Classless one? : ALUM
"BOOR" is the right solution because a boor is someone who is rude, uncultured, and lacks manners, making them classless.
Classless one? : ALUM
The answer "ALUM" is the right solution because it refers to someone who has graduated from a school, making them part of the alumni or "classless" group.
Crime novelist Gerritsen : TESS
"Tess" is the first name of the crime novelist Gerritsen, who is known for writing popular thriller novels.
Critics of good-faith efforts : CYNICS
"Critics" suggest negative views, and "good-faith efforts" indicate positive actions. "CYNICS" are people who are known for their negative and distrustful views, making them likely to criticize even genuine efforts.
Darts about : FLITS
"FLITS" means to move swiftly and lightly. In this context, "darts about" suggests quick and sudden movements, making "FLITS" the appropriate answer.
Dog for pheasant hunters : SETTER
A setter is a type of dog breed that is commonly used for hunting pheasants. They have a keen sense of smell and are trained to locate and point out the birds for hunters.
Drawing worth a lot of money? : LOTTO
The answer "LOTTO" is a play on words, as a drawing in this context refers to a lottery drawing where a large sum of money is at stake.
Ebbs : ABATES
The word "ebbs" means to decrease or lessen. "Abates" is a synonym for decrease or lessen, making it the right answer to the clue.
End of a congressional address : GOV
"End of a congressional address" refers to the end of a word "congressional" which is "GOV" in this case. It's a common abbreviation for "government" and is often used in official terms and addresses.
English article : THE
"The" is the definite article in English, used before nouns to specify a particular thing or person. In this case, the clue "English article" is hinting at a common definite article used in English language, which is "THE".
False front : VENEER
The answer to "False front" is "GUISE" because a guise is a deceptive or false appearance that someone puts on to hide their true intentions or identity. It fits the clue perfectly.
False front : VENEER
The answer "PSEUDO-" fits the clue "False front?" because "PSEUDO-" means false or fake, making it a clever play on words for a false front.
False front : VENEER
"VENEER" is the right answer because a veneer is a thin decorative covering that is used to conceal the true nature of something, just like a false front hides what is underneath.
Fastener : CLASP
"CLASP" is a suitable answer for "Fastener" because a clasp is a device used to fasten or secure things together, such as a bracelet or a necklace. It fits the definition of a fastener well.
Fit : ABLE
The word "HALE" means healthy and strong, which is often used to describe someone who is fit.
Fit : ABLE
The word "toned" is the right solution for the clue "Fit" because it means being in good physical shape or having well-defined muscles. This word is commonly used to describe someone who is fit and has a lean physique.
Fit : ABLE
The word "able" is synonymous with "fit" in the context of being capable or competent to do something.
Fried turnovers : EMPANADAS
The answer "EMPANADAS" fits the clue "Fried turnovers" because empanadas are a type of pastry filled with various ingredients, folded over, and then fried or baked.
Genre with retrofuturistic technology : STEAMPUNK
Steampunk is a genre that combines futuristic technology with a design aesthetic inspired by steam-powered machinery of the 19th century. This makes it a genre with retrofuturistic technology, making "STEAMPUNK" the correct answer.
Glam rock? : GEM
The answer "MICA" fits the clue "Glam rock?" because mica is a type of shiny mineral that is often used in makeup products to add a glam rock look.
Glam rock? : GEM
The term "Glam rock" is a play on words, with "Glam" referring to something stylish or fashionable, and "rock" referring to a type of music. In this context, "GEM" is the right solution because a gem is a precious or semiprecious stone that is often used in stylish or fashionable jewelry, fitting the theme of glam rock.
Glam rock? : GEM
"Fire sign" refers to the zodiac sign of Aries, which is a fire sign. The answer "MOONSTONE" is fitting because it is the birthstone associated with the zodiac sign of Aries.
Haitian language : CREOLE
The Haitian language is often referred to as Creole because it is a French-based creole language spoken in Haiti.
Heavy hammers : MAULS
The answer "SLEDGES" fits because a sledgehammer is a type of heavy hammer commonly used in construction and demolition work.
Heavy hammers : MAULS
"Mauls" are heavy hammers with a large, flat striking surface on one side, making them suitable for driving wedges or splitting wood. This fits the clue "Heavy hammers" perfectly.
Joshes : KIDS
"Joshes" is a clue that indicates playful teasing or joking around. "Kids" can be used as a slang term to refer to children, who are often known for their playful and teasing behavior. So, "Kids" is the right solution for the clue "Joshes."
Light wood : BALSA
BALSA is a type of light wood known for its low density and lightweight properties, making it a popular choice for model building and other crafts.
Like some elders : TRIBAL
"Like some elders" is a clue hinting at the word "TRIBAL" because elders in some societies may belong to a tribe or have tribal affiliations.
Like some orange juice : PULPY
"PULPY" is the right answer because some orange juice contains pulp, which gives it a thicker consistency.
Link-shortening service : TINYURL
TINYURL is a popular link-shortening service that takes long URLs and creates shorter, more manageable links. This service is commonly used to share links on social media or in emails.
Mooches : FREELOADS
The word "mooches" is a synonym for "freeloads," which means to take advantage of others by getting things for free without giving anything in return. Therefore, "FREELOADS" is the right answer.
One who never draws a blank? : BINGO CALLER
This answer plays on the double meaning of "draws a blank." In the context of bingo, a "blank" refers to an empty space on a bingo card. A "BINGO CALLER" is someone who calls out the numbers in a game of bingo and would never "draw a blank" as they are responsible for calling out the numbers.
Physician who specializes in perioperative care : ANESTHESIOLOGIST
An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in providing anesthesia and perioperative care for patients undergoing surgery. They are responsible for managing a patient's pain and vital functions during surgery, making them the correct answer for this clue.
Place to order rolls : SUSHI BAR
"SUSHI BAR" is the right solution because it is a place where one can typically order sushi rolls.
Place to pick up trinkets and tchotchkes : CURIO SHOP
"CURIO SHOP" is the right solution because a curio shop is a store that sells small, unique items or trinkets that are often collected for their unusual or interesting qualities. It is a common place to find a variety of knick-knacks and souvenirs.
Postscripts : EPILOGS
The answer "EPILOGS" fits the clue "Postscripts" because an epilog is a section at the end of a book or play that provides further information or a conclusion after the main body of work.
Prefix with thermal : GEO-
The prefix "geo-" is commonly used in words related to the Earth, such as geography or geology. In this case, "geothermal" refers to heat from the Earth's interior, making "geo-" the correct prefix for the clue.
Pretzel shape : KNOT
The answer "KNOT" is the right solution because pretzels are often twisted into a knot-like shape before they are baked.
Propulsion aid : POLE
The answer "POLE" is the right solution because a pole can be used to propel a boat forward by pushing against the ground beneath the water.
Retailer that sells crampons and chalk bags : REI
REI is a retailer that specializes in outdoor gear and equipment, including crampons and chalk bags commonly used in climbing.
Revolutionary tool? : LATHE
The answer "LATHE" is the right solution because a lathe is a tool used in woodworking and metalworking to rotate a piece of material so it can be shaped or cut. The term "revolutionary" in the clue hints at the rotation aspect of a lathe.
Seafood paella option : MUSSELS
The answer "MUSSELS" fits the clue "Seafood paella option" because mussels are commonly used as an ingredient in traditional seafood paella recipes.
Secure : ENSURE
The answer "SAFE" fits the clue "Secure" because a safe is a secure place to keep valuable items.
Secure : ENSURE
The word "SNUG" means fitting tightly or securely, which makes it the perfect answer for the clue "Secure."
Secure : ENSURE
Secure : ENSURE
"Secure" is a synonym for "ensure," which means to make certain or guarantee something. In this context, "ensure" fits the clue as it aligns with the idea of making something safe or protected.
Slush __ : FUND
The term "slush fund" refers to money set aside for illicit or unofficial purposes. Therefore, the answer "FUND" fits the clue "Slush __".
Speed Wagon maker : REO Down 1 Amazon berry
The answer "REO" is the right solution for "Speed Wagon maker" because REO was a brand that manufactured Speed Wagons in the early 20th century.
Start of a protestor’s cry, perhaps : BUT …!
The answer "BUT ...!" fits because it is a common way for a protestor to start their argument or counter a statement. It signals a contradiction or disagreement.
Summer mo. : AUG
The answer "AUG" is short for August, which is a summer month.
Supports : TRUSSES
The answer "AIDS" is the right solution for the clue "Supports" because "AIDS" can mean providing assistance or help to someone or something.
Supports : TRUSSES
Supports : TRUSSES
The word "trusses" can mean both a framework of beams used to support a structure and a medical device used to support a weak or injured body part. Both of these definitions fit the clue "Supports."
Taking after : A LA
"A LA" is a French phrase that means "in the style of" or "according to." It is commonly used in English to indicate taking after someone or something.
Tech review site acquired by Ziff Davis in 2024 : CNET
CNET is a well-known tech review site and was acquired by Ziff Davis in 2024, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Tennis great Arthur : ASHE
Arthur Ashe was a tennis great who won three Grand Slam titles and was the first African American player selected to the United States Davis Cup team. The clue "Tennis great Arthur" is a direct reference to him, making "ASHE" the correct answer.
Tribute act : COVER ARTIST
"COVER ARTIST" is the right solution because a tribute act is a performer or group that covers songs by another artist as a form of tribute or homage. "COVER ARTIST" fits the definition of a performer who covers songs, making it the correct answer.
Tricolor cat : CALICO
The answer "CALICO" is the right solution because a calico cat has a tricolor coat with patches of white, black, and orange fur.
Use one’s gray matter : IDEATE
"Use one's gray matter" is a colloquial way of saying "think" or "come up with ideas." The word "ideate" means to form an idea or concept in one's mind, making it a fitting answer to this clue.
Visit on the way : STOP OFF
"Stop off" is the right solution because it means to make a brief visit or stop at a place while on the way to a final destination.
__ latte : SOY
Chai latte is a popular beverage made with black tea, milk, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. The word "chai" means tea in Hindi, so a chai latte is essentially a spiced tea latte. Therefore, "chai" is the correct answer for "__ latte".
__ latte : SOY
__ latte : SOY
The answer "SOY" is correct because it is a type of milk alternative commonly used in lattes by people who are lactose intolerant or prefer a plant-based option.
__ latte : SOY
"Chai" is a type of latte made with spiced tea and steamed milk, making it a fitting answer to the clue "__ latte."
__ package : CARE
The term "care package" is commonly used to refer to a package containing useful or comforting items sent to someone in need or away from home.
“Music for Airports” composer Brian : ENO
The answer is "ENO" because Brian Eno is the composer of "Music for Airports."
“Sweet!” : YAS!
"Sweet!" is an exclamation used to express excitement or approval. "Coolio" is a slang term that means the same thing, so it fits the clue.
“Sweet!” : YAS!
"YAS!" is a slang term used to show excitement or agreement, similar to saying "Sweet!" in a casual and enthusiastic way.
“Sweet!” : YAS!
The answer "NEAT!" is a slang term that is often used to express excitement or approval, similar to "Sweet!" in the clue. The two words are interchangeable in this context, making "NEAT!" the correct answer.
“That didn’t escape my attention” : I SAW
"I SAW" is the right answer because it means "I noticed" or "I observed," indicating that something was not overlooked.
“You’re not fooling me!,” or what 18-, 28-, and 43- might say? : I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER!
The answer "I’VE GOT YOUR NUMBER!" fits the clue because it is a phrase meaning "I know your true intentions or motives," which is what the clues 18-, 28-, and 43- might say in different contexts.
“__ you right!” : SERVES
The phrase "“__ you right!”" is typically completed with the word "serves" to convey the idea of getting what one deserves or experiencing the consequences of one's actions.