Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 21 December 2024, Saturday. 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.
3 out of 5, say : OKAY
The phrase "3 out of 5" refers to the letters O, K, and A in the word "okay." So, the answer to the clue "3 out of 5, say" is "OKAY."
Acts like a gobstopper : LASTS
The clue "Acts like a gobstopper" is a hint that the answer should be a word that means lasting a long time. Gobstoppers are known for lasting a long time due to their hard candy coating. Therefore, the correct answer is "LASTS".
Air busses? : BLOWS A KISS
unknown
Artistic hot spots : KILNS
"KILNS" are artistic hot spots because they are ovens used for firing pottery and ceramics, making them essential for creating artistic pieces.
Bad Bunny genre : LATIN TRAP
"Bad Bunny" is a popular Latin music artist known for his music in the genre of "Latin trap," making "LATIN TRAP" the correct answer.
Be effusive : SPEW
The word "SPEW" means to express something, typically emotions or words, in an excessive or uncontrollable way. This fits the clue "Be effusive" as being effusive means to show excessive emotion or enthusiasm.
Bow wood : YEW
Yew is a type of wood commonly used for making bows due to its flexibility and strength.
Bridesmaid’s accessory : POSY
POSY is the right solution because a posy is a small bouquet of flowers often carried by bridesmaids at a wedding.
Contact juggler’s props : ORBS
The term "orbs" is often used to refer to the balls that contact jugglers use in their performances.
Contribute to grass roots movements? : TILL
"TILL" is the right solution because "till" can mean to cultivate or prepare land for planting, which is a way to contribute to grass roots movements in a literal sense.
CrossFit moves : BURPEES
The answer "BURPEES" fits the clue "CrossFit moves" because burpees are a common and intense exercise often included in CrossFit workouts.
Dark : MORBID
unknown
Deep-ocean mollusks : OCTOPI
Digs at the beach : SANDCASTLE
This is the right solution because "digs at the beach" suggests a playful activity involving sand, which is building a sandcastle.
Eerie spray : MIST
"MIST" is the right solution because mist is a type of eerie spray that is often associated with foggy or spooky settings.
Exclamation of approval : VIVA!
"VIVA!" is an exclamation often used to express approval or support, especially in Spanish-speaking countries. It fits the clue perfectly as a common exclamation of approval.
First unsigned artist to record a Billboard No. 1 hit : LOEB
unknown
Funny bones? : LOADED DICE
unknown
George Halas Trophy org. : NFC
The George Halas Trophy is awarded to the NFC champion in the NFL, making "NFC" the correct answer.
Golf club part : TOE
The "toe" of a golf club refers to the outermost part of the clubhead where the face and the sole meet. It is a common term used in golf terminology.
Gp. with a compass rose emblem on its flag : NATO
NATO stands for North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has a compass rose emblem on its flag.
Grants for researchers? : TENURES
The term "tenures" refers to a type of job security granted to researchers in academic institutions, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Grants for researchers?" as it directly relates to the career stability provided to researchers.
Grapefruit relative : POMELO
"Pomelo" is the right solution because it is a citrus fruit that is closely related to the grapefruit, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Grapefruit relative."
Grillmaster’s domain : PATIO
The answer "PATIO" fits the clue "Grillmaster's domain" because a patio is a common outdoor space where people often set up grills for cooking and hosting barbecues.
High, in Italian : ALTO
"High" in Italian translates to "alto." In Italian, "alto" is commonly used to indicate height or elevation, making it the correct answer for this clue.
Lao Gan Ma condiment : CHILI CRISP
The answer "CHILI CRISP" fits because Lao Gan Ma is a popular brand known for its spicy chili crisp condiment.
Maker of Cleansing Melts soap pads : OLAY
Olay is a well-known brand that produces skincare products, including cleansing melts soap pads. Therefore, "Maker of Cleansing Melts soap pads" is a fitting description for Olay.
Many “What We Do in the Shadows” characters : VAMPIRES
The answer "VAMPIRES" fits because "What We Do in the Shadows" is a mockumentary TV show about vampires, so the characters in the show are indeed vampires.
Neither early nor late : ON BEAT
The phrase "on beat" means in perfect time or rhythm, neither early nor late. So, "on beat" is the right solution for the clue "Neither early nor late".
New clothes hangers? : TAGS
The answer "TAGS" fits the clue "New clothes hangers?" because tags are commonly found on new clothes to provide information about the item.
News segment : SPORTS
"SPORTS" is a common news segment that covers updates and highlights in the world of sports. It is a fitting answer to the clue "News segment" as sports news is a popular and regular feature in many news broadcasts.
Oaf : CLOD
The answer "LOUT" is the right solution because it is a term used to describe a clumsy, uncouth, or foolish person, which matches the definition of an "oaf."
Oaf : CLOD
"CLOD" is a synonym for "oaf" as both refer to a clumsy or foolish person.
Oaf : CLOD
"BOOR" is the right solution for "Oaf" because a boor is a person who is rude, crude, or clumsy in behavior, which fits the definition of an oaf.
One of three in the Girl Scouts logo : SILHOUETTE
The Girl Scouts logo features three faces in profile, which are silhouettes. So, "silhouette" is the right answer to the clue "One of three in the Girl Scouts logo."
Overexposed? : INDECENT
The clue "Overexposed?" is a play on words suggesting being exposed too much, which can be interpreted as being indecent or inappropriate. Therefore, the answer "INDECENT" fits the clue.
Party planner’s list : YESES
The answer "YESES" fits the clue "Party planner's list" because a party planner would need a list of attendees who have RSVP'd with a "yes" response, hence "YESES" referring to multiple positive responses.
Perspective : ANGLE
"View" is the right solution because perspective refers to a particular way of looking at or thinking about something, which can be synonymous with the word "view."
Perspective : ANGLE
The word "angle" can refer to a particular point of view or way of looking at something, which is another way of saying "perspective."
Precursor to getting one’s just desserts? : CAKE BATTER
"CAKE BATTER" is the right solution because it is a play on words. The phrase "getting one’s just desserts" means receiving appropriate punishment or reward for one's actions. In this case, "CAKE BATTER" is a precursor to making a cake, which is a type of dessert.
Products of deductive reasoning? : TAXES
unknown
Profoundly bad : EVIL
The answer "EVIL" fits the clue "Profoundly bad" because it describes something that is morally wrong or wicked.
Profoundly bad : EVIL
The word "evil" is often used to describe something that is profoundly bad or morally wrong. It fits the clue well in conveying a strong sense of negativity and wickedness.
Prompt : CUE
The word "CUE" can mean a signal or prompt to do something, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Prompt."
Prompt : CUE
The word "REMIND" means to prompt or cue someone to remember something, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Prompt."
Prompt : CUE
"CUE" can mean a signal to start or do something, which is a prompt. In this case, "CUE" is a synonym for "Prompt."
Quarreling : AT IT
The answer "AT IT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase used to describe people who are actively quarreling or arguing with each other.
Quarreling : AT IT
"AT IT" is a phrase that can mean engaging in a quarrel or argument. It is a common expression used to describe people who are actively involved in a disagreement or dispute.
Rascal : SCAMP
"Scamp" is a synonym for "rascal" or "mischievous person," making it the right solution for the clue.
School house? : TANK
Soda shop treats : MALTS
The answer "MALTS" fits the clue "Soda shop treats" because malts are a popular and classic drink served in soda shops, made with ice cream, milk, and flavored syrup.
Some brimless hats : PILLBOXES
The answer "PILLBOXES" fits the clue "Some brimless hats" because a pillbox hat is a type of hat that is brimless and typically round in shape, resembling a pillbox.
Sort of : PRETTY
The answer to "Sort of" is "ISH" because "ish" is a suffix that can be added to words to indicate a vague or approximate quality. It suggests that something is similar to or somewhat like the word being modified.
Sort of : PRETTY
The answer "IN A SENSE" fits the clue "Sort of" because it suggests that something is partially or to some extent true or accurate. It captures the idea of being somewhat applicable or relevant.
Sort of : PRETTY
The word "pretty" can be used to mean "sort of" or "somewhat" in informal language.
Southwest expanses? : TARMACS
The clue "Southwest expanses?" is a clever wordplay hinting at the region and the expanses where you would find TARMACS, which are large areas where airplanes are parked, loaded, and unloaded.
Spoon-fed line : TASTE THIS!
The answer "TASTE THIS!" fits the clue "Spoon-fed line" because it suggests trying something, just like when someone is spoon-fed food to taste.
Stick in the water : POOL NOODLE
The answer "POOL NOODLE" fits the clue "Stick in the water" because a pool noodle is a long, cylindrical foam floatation device commonly used in swimming pools. It is often seen floating or "sticking" in the water.
Stopping point : PERIOD
The word "period" can refer to the punctuation mark that indicates the end of a sentence, making it a natural stopping point in writing.
Study : DEN
"HIT THE BOOKS" is the right solution for the clue "Study" because it is a common idiomatic expression that means to engage in focused and intensive studying.
Study : DEN
unknown
Task on a postseason to-do list : RESOD
The answer "RESOD" fits the clue "Task on a postseason to-do list" because one common task after a sports season is to resod or repair the playing field.
Territory nearly surrounded by Haryana : DELHI
Delhi is a territory that is nearly surrounded by the state of Haryana in India. It is a separate union territory but geographically located within the boundaries of Haryana, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Traffic sign : CONE
The answer "CONE" fits the clue "Traffic sign" because traffic cones are commonly used as temporary signs to indicate road work, hazards, or lane closures.
Unspoken : TACIT
"TACIT" means understood or implied without being stated explicitly, which is synonymous with "unspoken."
Vessel at a teddy bear picnic : TEAPOT
The answer "TEAPOT" fits the clue because a teapot is a vessel commonly used to serve tea at a picnic, including a teddy bear picnic.
Word with freeze or fry : DEEP …
The word "DEEP" can be combined with "freeze" to make "deep freeze" and with "fry" to make "deep fry", both of which are common cooking techniques.
Yarns : TALES
"Tales" is a synonym for "yarns" as they both refer to stories or narratives. In crossword puzzles, it's common for clues to provide synonyms or related words to lead solvers to the correct answer.
Yurchenko double __ : vault now called the Biles II
The answer is "Yurchenko double pike" because it is a vault skill performed by gymnast Simone Biles and has been renamed to "Biles II" in recognition of her contribution to the sport.
__ palm : ACAI
The answer "ACAI" fits the clue "__ palm" because acai is a type of palm tree native to Central and South America known for its small, dark purple berries.
__ Valley sunbird : Middle Eastern species
unknown
__ Vegas Raiders : LAS
The answer "LAS" is the abbreviation for Las Vegas, so "__ Vegas Raiders" would be completed with "LAS" to form "Las Vegas Raiders," the NFL team.
“Do I look like I care?” : SPARE ME
The phrase "Spare me" is often used to dismiss someone or something, indicating a lack of interest or concern, which aligns with the clue "Do I look like I care?" in a dismissive or indifferent manner.
“There’s a storm brewing” : I CAN FEEL IT
"I CAN FEEL IT" is the right solution because it is a common expression used to convey a sense of impending bad weather or trouble. The phrase suggests a strong intuition or premonition about an approaching storm.
“Well, that used to be true … ” : I WAS …
This answer fits the clue because the phrase "I WAS..." implies a change from a previous state or belief, which matches the idea of something that used to be true.
“__ pleasure!” : WITH
The phrase "“__ pleasure!”" is commonly followed by "WITH" to indicate that someone is happy to help or provide something.