Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 23 December 2024, Monday. 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.
1990s collectible disc : POG
"Pog" is the right solution because Pogs were a popular collectible disc game in the 1990s, often featuring colorful designs and characters.
2001 film with a Seussian title : I AM SAM
Alpine event : SUPER G
"Super G" stands for Super Giant Slalom, which is an alpine skiing event. It involves skiing downhill through a series of gates at a faster pace than the Giant Slalom event.
Alto or soprano : VOICE
The answer "VOICE" is the right solution because "alto" and "soprano" are both types of voices in music.
Alto or soprano : VOICE
The clue "Alto or soprano" is referring to different types of voices in music. The answer "VOICE" is a general term that encompasses all types of singing voices, including alto and soprano.
Auction action : OPENING BID
The term "Auction action" refers to the initial offer made by a bidder to start the bidding process, which is known as the "OPENING BID."
Auction action : OPENING BID
"BID" is the right answer because in an auction, participants place bids to indicate the amount of money they are willing to pay for an item.
Ballpoint alternative : GEL PEN
The answer "GEL PEN" fits because it is a type of pen that uses gel ink instead of traditional ballpoint ink.
Baltimore baseballers : ORIOLES
The Baltimore Orioles is a Major League Baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland, so "Baltimore baseballers" is a clue that points to the team name "ORIOLES."
Bluegrass-country singer Alison : KRAUSS
Alison Krauss is a well-known bluegrass-country singer, making "KRAUSS" the correct answer to the clue.
Bowlers and fedoras : HATS
The answer "HATS" fits the clue "Bowlers and fedoras" because both bowlers and fedoras are types of hats.
Bridge support : TRUSS
A truss is a rigid framework used to support a bridge, making it the correct answer for "Bridge support."
Broadway background : SET
The answer "SET" fits because a "SET" is the background on a Broadway stage where the action takes place.
Ceremonial toss made memorable by Simone Biles at the 2019 World Series : FIRST PITCH
The ceremonial toss made by Simone Biles at the 2019 World Series was the "first pitch," which is a traditional opening throw at the beginning of a baseball game.
Color technique with a blended effect : OMBRE
"OMBRE" is the right answer because it refers to a color technique where one color fades into another, creating a blended effect.
Colorado skiing mecca : ASPEN
Aspen is a well-known skiing destination in Colorado, famous for its world-class ski resorts and beautiful mountain scenery. It is often referred to as a skiing mecca due to its popularity among skiers and snowboarders.
Creamy dessert made with cookies : OREO PIE
The answer "OREO PIE" fits the clue because Oreo cookies are commonly used to make a creamy dessert known as Oreo pie. The answer is a specific and accurate description of the dessert in question.
Derrick setting : OIL WELL
The term "Derrick" is commonly associated with oil drilling rigs, where oil wells are typically located. Therefore, the answer "OIL WELL" fits the clue "Derrick setting" as it is where a derrick would be used in the context of drilling for oil.
Direct toward : AIM AT
The answer "AIM AT" fits the clue "Direct toward" because when you aim at something, you are directing your focus or intention towards that specific target.
Dried poblano peppers : ANCHOS
The answer "ANCHOS" fits because anchos are dried poblano peppers commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Dumbbell abbr. : LBS
The abbreviation "LBS" stands for pounds, which is the unit of measurement commonly used for dumbbells.
Fahrenheit counterpart : CELSIUS
The clue is asking for a temperature scale that is a counterpart to Fahrenheit. Celsius is a commonly used temperature scale and is considered the counterpart to Fahrenheit, making "CELSIUS" the correct answer.
Fancy fundraiser : GALA
"GALA" is the right solution because a gala is a fancy social event, often held to raise funds for a specific cause or organization.
Flight takeoff hr. : ETD
"ETD" stands for Estimated Time of Departure, which is the expected time that a flight will take off. In the context of a crossword puzzle, "Flight takeoff hr." is a clue that is looking for an abbreviation related to the departure time of a flight, making "ETD" the correct answer.
Full-time athlete : PRO
The answer "PRO" is short for professional, which means a person who gets paid to play sports full-time.
Gaming rookies : NOOBS
The term "noobs" is slang for gaming rookies or beginners in the gaming community. It is a common term used to refer to inexperienced players.
Hand puppet material : FELT
Felt is a common material used to make hand puppets because it is easy to work with, soft to the touch, and can easily be cut and shaped into different designs for puppet characters.
Heidi Klum’s model daughter : LENI
Leni is the name of Heidi Klum's model daughter.
Homes for pet rabbits : HUTCHES
The answer "HUTCHES" fits the clue "Homes for pet rabbits" because a hutch is a type of shelter or enclosure specifically designed for rabbits to live in.
Houston baseballer : ASTRO
The Houston baseball team is called the Houston Astros, so the answer "ASTRO" fits the clue "Houston baseballer."
Joint protected by a patella : KNEE
The joint protected by a patella is the knee because the patella, also known as the kneecap, covers and protects the front of the knee joint.
Like weird vibes : OFF
"OFF" is the right answer because the phrase "weird vibes" implies that something is not quite right or out of place, which can be described as "off."
Ludicrous display : FARCE
"FARCE" is the right solution because a farce is a type of comedy that features exaggerated and improbable situations, making it a ludicrous display.
Make small talk : CHITCHAT
"CHITCHAT" is the right solution because it is a common phrase that means engaging in casual and light conversation. It fits the clue "Make small talk" perfectly.
Mgr.’s helper : ASST
"Mgr." is an abbreviation for "manager" and "ASST" is an abbreviation for "assistant," so "Mgr.’s helper" is asking for a shortened version of "assistant," which is "ASST."
Miss a cue : ERR
The word "ERR" means to make a mistake or miss a cue, making it the correct solution for the clue "Miss a cue."
Musical introduction : OVERTURE
"OVERTURE" is the right solution because an overture is a musical introduction at the beginning of an opera, musical, or other musical performance that previews themes to come.
Newsroom stars : ANCHORS
The answer "ANCHORS" fits the clue "Newsroom stars" because anchors are the main personalities who deliver the news on television or radio.
NNW reversal : SSE
The answer "NNW reversal" is "SSE" because NNW (North-Northwest) is the opposite direction of SSE (South-Southeast) when reversed. In compass directions, reversing a direction means going in the opposite direction.
Org. with Cardinals and Saints : NFC
The National Football Conference (NFC) has teams like the Cardinals and Saints, making it the correct answer for the clue.
Precognition letters : ESP
The answer "ESP" stands for extrasensory perception, which is often associated with precognition, or the ability to predict future events.
Ravenous, probably : UNFED
The word "unfed" means not having eaten, which aligns with being ravenous or extremely hungry.
Real knockout : STUNNER
The term "stunner" is often used to describe someone or something that is very impressive or attractive, making it a fitting answer for "Real knockout."
Really psyched : STOKED
"Stoked" is a slang term meaning excited or enthusiastic, making it a fitting answer for the clue "Really psyched."
Revered tribal figure : ELDER
The answer "ELDER" fits the clue "Revered tribal figure" because elders in many tribal communities are respected and hold important roles in decision-making and passing down traditions and wisdom.
Search for wild game : HUNT
The word "hunt" means to search for wild game, making it the correct solution for the clue.
See 1- : … DROP Down 1 Knob on a viola
The answer "DROP" fits the clue because it means "down" and when you see "1-" in a crossword, it indicates that you should drop down to the next clue, which in this case is about a knob on a viola.
Short-legged canine : CORGI
The answer "CORGI" fits the clue "Short-legged canine" because corgis are a breed of dog known for their short legs and long bodies.
Snickers producer : MARS
The answer "MARS" fits the clue "Snickers producer" because Mars, Incorporated is the company that produces the Snickers candy bar.
Sounds like a lion : ROARS
The answer "ROARS" is the right solution because it sounds like what a lion does, which is to roar. The clue is hinting at the sound a lion makes, and "ROARS" is the most fitting answer.
Spanakopita dough : FILO
"Filo" is the right solution because it is a thin dough traditionally used in Greek cuisine to make dishes like Spanakopita. Its delicate texture is perfect for creating the flaky layers in this savory pastry.
Square root of cuatro : DOS
The square root of cuatro, which is the Spanish word for four, is dos, which is the Spanish word for two. In this case, "dos" is the right solution because the square root of four is two.
Support one’s team, in a way : CHEER
"Support one's team, in a way" is a clue hinting at a word that describes showing encouragement and enthusiasm for a sports team. The word "CHEER" fits this description as it means to shout in support or praise, making it the right solution for the clue.
Take up or take in : SEW
"Take up" can mean to shorten clothing by sewing. "Take in" can mean to make clothing smaller by sewing. Therefore, the answer "SEW" fits both interpretations of the clue.
The ACC’s Cavaliers : UVA
The ACC's Cavaliers refers to the University of Virginia (UVA), whose sports teams are known as the Cavaliers.
Theorize : POSIT
"Posit" is a synonym for "theorize," meaning to suggest or put forward an idea or theory without strong evidence. It fits the clue well and is a common crossword answer for this context.
TV show pilot, typically : EPISODE I
The answer "EPISODE I" fits the clue because the first episode of a TV show is often referred to as "Episode 1" or "Episode I" in Roman numerals.
Unagi Day fish : EELS
EELS are a type of fish commonly associated with Unagi, which is the Japanese word for freshwater eel. So, "Unagi Day fish" refers to EELS.
Unspecified degree : NTH
"NTH" is used in mathematics to represent an unspecified or unknown number in a sequence. In this context, "NTH" is a common way to refer to an unspecified degree or number in a series.
With 65-, faceoff in a hockey game : PUCK …
The answer "PUCK" is the right solution because a faceoff in a hockey game involves the puck being dropped at center ice to start play.
__ Coors : MOLSON
The clue "__ Coors" refers to a brewing company known for its beer. Molson is a well-known brewing company, making it the correct answer.
__-up demand : PENT
The term "pent-up demand" refers to demand that has been restrained or held back. "Pent" means confined or held in, making it the right solution for the clue.
“Abracadabra!” : PRESTO!
The word "PRESTO" is often used by magicians when performing a trick, making it a fitting answer to the clue "“Abracadabra!”".
“Eternals” star Gemma : CHAN
“Hunny” bear : POOH
The answer is "POOH" because the clue refers to the beloved bear character from A.A. Milne's stories, known for his love of honey.
“I give up!” : UNCLE!
The phrase "I give up!" is often followed by the word "uncle" in informal language, indicating surrender or defeat.
“Nice to see you!” : HI THERE!
The answer "HI THERE!" fits the clue "Nice to see you!" because it is a common informal greeting used to acknowledge someone's presence in a friendly way.
“So frustrating!” : GAH!
"GRR!" is an onomatopoeic expression of frustration or anger, which fits the clue "So frustrating!" perfectly.
“So frustrating!” : GAH!
The answer "ARGH!" is the right solution to the clue "So frustrating!" because "ARGH!" is an expression of frustration or annoyance.
“So frustrating!” : GAH!
The answer "GAH!" is a common expression of frustration, making it a fitting response to the clue "So frustrating!" in a crossword puzzle.
“Strange Magic” rock gp. : ELO
The answer is "ELO" because "Strange Magic" is a hit song by the rock group Electric Light Orchestra, often abbreviated as ELO.
“That would be terrible!” : I HOPE NOT!
This answer fits because "I HOPE NOT!" expresses a sentiment of wishing for something not to happen, which aligns with the clue "That would be terrible!" expressing a negative outcome that one hopes to avoid.
“We’ve made some progress,” and what one might say about the answer to each starred clue : IT’S A START
The phrase "It's a start" means that progress has been made, which fits the clue "We've made some progress." Additionally, each starred clue is a small step towards the final answer, so saying "It's a start" about each one makes sense.
“Zoolander” actor Wilson : OWEN
Owen Wilson is an actor who starred in the movie "Zoolander," making "OWEN" the correct answer for the clue.
“__ betide our enemies” : WOE
The phrase "woe betide" is a common expression meaning "may misfortune befall." Therefore, the answer "WOE" fits the clue "“__ betide our enemies”" as it completes the phrase appropriately.
“__ yours” : affectionate sign-off
The answer "affectionate sign-off" fits the clue "“__ yours”" because the phrase "yours" in this context is often used in a warm, friendly, or affectionate way to sign off a letter or message, making it a fitting description for the clue.