Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 26 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.
13-Down greeting : MEOW
2016 Super Bowl MVP Miller : VON
Von Miller was the MVP of the 2016 Super Bowl, making "VON" the correct answer.
A matter of degrees? : ANGLE
The phrase "a matter of degrees" can refer to the measurement of angles, making "ANGLE" the correct solution.
Actor Cage, informally : NIC
The answer "NIC" is the right solution because "Actor Cage" refers to Nicolas Cage, and "NIC" is a common short form of the name "Nicolas."
Al’s state-of-the-art recording equipment? : GREEN TECHNOLOGY
"Al's state-of-the-art recording equipment?" is a wordplay clue where "Green" can mean environmentally friendly and "Technology" refers to advanced equipment. So, the answer "GREEN TECHNOLOGY" fits the clue by combining the two meanings to describe Al's advanced and environmentally friendly recording equipment.
Apr. 15 addressee : IRS
The answer "IRS" is correct because the abbreviation stands for Internal Revenue Service, the government agency responsible for collecting taxes in the United States. The clue "Apr. 15 addressee" refers to the deadline for filing taxes, which is typically sent to the IRS.
Attacks with vigor : HAS AT
"Attacks with vigor" is a clue for a phrase that means to go after something aggressively. "Has at" fits this definition as it means to attack or pursue with determination.
Awestruck : AGOG
The word "agog" means filled with intense excitement or amazement, which is synonymous with being awestruck.
Awestruck : AGOG
The word "agog" means being filled with intense excitement or amazement, which is synonymous with being awestruck.
Cache : TROVE
"TROVE" is the right solution because a trove is a collection or store of valuable or delightful things, similar to a cache which is a hidden storage space for valuable items.
Came across : MET
"Met" is the right answer because it means to come across or encounter someone or something. It fits the clue "Came across" perfectly.
Cat, affectionately : KITTY
The answer "KITTY" fits the clue "Cat, affectionately" because "kitty" is a common term used to refer to a cat in an affectionate way.
Celery unit : STALK
The answer "STALK" is the right solution because a single piece of celery is often referred to as a stalk, making it a common unit of measurement for celery.
Chocolate-and-caramel candy : ROLO
The answer to "Chocolate-and-caramel candy" is "ROLO" because ROLO is a well-known candy brand that is made of chocolate and caramel.
Chocolate-and-caramel candy : ROLO
"ROLO" is a popular chocolate-and-caramel candy made by Nestlé. It fits the description given in the clue, making it the correct answer.
Concrete : REAL
Dec. 31 : NYE
The answer "NYE" stands for New Year's Eve, which falls on December 31st. "NYE" is a common abbreviation for this date in calendars and event listings.
Deficiency : LACK
The word "deficiency" means not having enough of something. "Lack" is a synonym for this meaning, making it the right solution.
Deficiency : LACK
"LACK" is the right solution because a deficiency means a lack or shortage of something essential or necessary. In this case, "LACK" fits the definition of deficiency.
Donna’s time off? : SUMMER VACATIONS
The clue "Donna's time off?" is a play on words suggesting a specific type of time off that Donna might take. "SUMMER VACATIONS" fits the clue because summer vacations are a common time for people, including Donna, to take time off from work or school.
Elitist sort : SNOOT
The answer "SNOOT" is the right solution because it is a slang term that refers to someone who is condescending or snobbish, which matches the clue "Elitist sort".
Elitist sort : SNOOT
"SNOOT" is a slang term for someone who is snobbish or elitist. In this case, the clue "Elitist sort" is hinting at someone who acts superior or condescending, which fits the definition of a "SNOOT."
ESPN datum : STAT
"ESPN" is a sports network that often reports on statistics, or "STATs," related to sports teams and players. So, the answer "STAT" fits the clue "ESPN datum" as it is a common piece of information reported by ESPN.
Evaluate : ASSAY
The word "assay" can mean to evaluate or analyze the quality or nature of something, making it a suitable answer for the clue "Evaluate."
Even once : EVER
The phrase "Even once" can be synonymous with "at any time," which can be represented by the word "EVER."
Far away : NOT NEAR
The answer "NOT NEAR" fits the clue "Far away" because it directly indicates the opposite of being close or nearby.
Fiona’s rapidly changing backup band? : APPLE TURNOVER
The answer "APPLE TURNOVER" is a play on words, as Fiona is a singer-songwriter known for her album "The Idler Wheel..." and the term "backup band" refers to musicians who support a singer during a performance. In this case, "backup band" is interpreted as a band made of apples, and "turnover" can refer to a change in personnel. So, "Fiona’s rapidly changing backup band?" clues to "APPLE TURNOVER" as a clever and humorous wordplay.
Flatfish named for an English port : DOVER SOLE
The flatfish named "Dover sole" is named after the English port of Dover. This fish is commonly found in the waters near Dover, hence the name.
Fragrant garland : LEI
The answer "LEI" is a fragrant garland commonly worn in Hawaii, making it the correct solution for the clue "Fragrant garland."
Front-row chess piece : PAWN
A pawn is a chess piece that is typically placed in the front row at the beginning of a game. It is the most numerous and least powerful piece on the board.
Gets taken for a ride, in a way : UBERS
The answer "UBERS" fits because it plays on the phrase "taken for a ride," which can mean being deceived or cheated. In this case, "UBERS" refers to the ride-sharing service Uber, where one can be taken for a literal ride.
Honest prez : ABE
Abraham Lincoln, often referred to as "Abe," is known for his honesty, making him the "Honest prez."
Hops drier : OAST
An oast is a building used for drying hops, making it the correct answer to the clue "Hops drier."
Hyphenated IDs : SSNS
The answer "SSNS" stands for Social Security Numbers, which are often hyphenated in groups of three digits when written out.
Iggy’s therapist? : POP PSYCHOLOGIST
The answer "POP PSYCHOLOGIST" is a play on words, combining "pop" from Iggy Pop, a famous musician, and "psychologist" to create a term for a therapist who specializes in popular culture.
Intel gathered by scouts : RECON
The answer "RECON" is short for reconnaissance, which means gathering information or intelligence by scouts.
Jamie of “MASH” : FARR
"FARR" is the right answer because Jamie Farr is the actor who played the character Corporal Maxwell Q. Klinger on the TV show "MASH".
Judges’ attire : ROBES
Judges often wear "ROBES" as their attire in courtrooms, making it the fitting answer to the clue.
Lancelot’s strong suit? : MAIL
In the context of the clue, "Lancelot's strong suit" refers to the armor that the knight Lancelot would wear, which is typically made of chain mail. So, "MAIL" is the correct answer as it fits the theme of Lancelot and his protective gear.
Mireille of “Hanna” : ENOS
The answer to "Mireille of 'Hanna'" is "ENOS" because Mireille Enos is an actress who played the character Marissa Wiegler in the TV series "Hanna."
Mireille of “Hanna” : ENOS
Mireille Enos is an actress who played the character of Marissa Wiegler in the TV series "Hanna". Therefore, the answer to the clue "Mireille of 'Hanna'" is "ENOS".
Mouthpieces for some smokers : PIPESTEMS
The answer "PIPESTEMS" fits the clue "Mouthpieces for some smokers" because a pipestem is the part of a smoking pipe that the smoker holds in their mouth while smoking.
Org. that oversees the Artemis moon program : NASA
NASA stands for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and it is the organization that oversees the Artemis moon program. NASA is responsible for planning, executing, and managing space exploration missions, including the Artemis program aimed at landing the first woman and the next man on the Moon by 2024.
Playbill carrier : USHER
"USHER" is the right solution because an usher at a theater typically carries and hands out Playbills to audience members.
Plus : BONUS
"Plus" is a mathematical operation that means "addition". "Asset" is a synonym for "something valuable" or "positive attribute", which can be seen as something added or positive. Therefore, "asset" can be a suitable answer for "plus".
Plus : BONUS
The word "also" is a synonym for "plus" in the sense of indicating an additional item or idea.
Plus : BONUS
The word "plus" is often used as a synonym for "and" in mathematical equations. In crossword puzzles, "AND" is commonly clued as "plus" because it represents the same concept of adding things together.
Plus : BONUS
The word "plus" is often used as a mathematical symbol for addition, which is represented by the word "AND" in everyday language.
Plus : BONUS
The word "also" is often used to add something to what has already been said or written, making it a synonym for "plus."
Plus : BONUS
The word "Plus" is often used to indicate something extra or additional, which is synonymous with "bonus."
Primatologist’s subject : APE
The answer "APE" is the right solution because a primatologist studies apes, among other primates.
Prune : LOP
The word "LOP" is a suitable answer for the clue "Prune" because it means to cut off or remove branches or parts of a plant.
Prune : LOP
"Prune" and "trim" are synonyms that both refer to cutting back or removing excess or unwanted parts of something, such as branches of a tree or hair. In this case, "trim" is the correct answer because it fits the definition and length of the clue.
Prune : LOP
"Lop" means to cut off branches or parts from a tree or plant, which is similar to pruning.
Put away : STORE
"Put away" is a phrasal verb that means to store something in a designated place. "Stored" is the past tense of this verb and fits the clue.
Put away : STORE
The word "ate" is the past tense of "eat", which means to consume food. "Put away" is a phrasal verb that can mean to consume food as well, making "ate" a suitable answer.
Put away : STORE
The word "stow" means to put something away or store it in a designated place. Therefore, "stow" is the right answer for the clue "Put away."
Put away : STORE
"Put away" is a clue that suggests storing or placing something out of sight. "Stow" means to pack or store something in a particular place, making it the correct answer to the clue.
Put away : STORE
The word "store" can mean to put something away for future use or safekeeping. In this context, "put away" is a synonym for "store," making it the correct answer.
Ride-or-die pal : BESTIE
The term "bestie" is slang for "best friend" or "ride-or-die pal", indicating a close and loyal companion.
Rock blaster? : AMP
The term "amp" is short for amplifier, which is used to increase the volume of electric guitars and other musical instruments, hence the "rock blaster" clue.
Ryan Seacrest, for one : TV HOST
"Ryan Seacrest, for one" is a clue hinting at a person who hosts television shows. The answer "TV HOST" fits perfectly as Ryan Seacrest is a well-known TV host, making this the correct solution.
Scholarly article reviewers : PEERS
"PEERS" are scholarly article reviewers because they are typically other experts in the same field who evaluate the quality and validity of the research before it is published.
See 12-Down : TAG
Square quartet : SIDES
The term "square quartet" refers to the four sides of a square shape. Therefore, the answer "SIDES" fits the clue because a square has four equal sides.
Stridex shelfmate : OXY
"OXY" is the right solution because Stridex and OXY are both well-known brands of acne treatment products commonly found on the same shelf in stores.
Sunporch : LANAI
"LANAI" is the right solution because a lanai is a type of sunporch or veranda that is commonly found in Hawaii and other tropical regions. It is often an open-sided, roofed porch or patio.
Surname of heist masterminds played by Sinatra, Clooney, and Bullock : OCEAN
The answer is "OCEAN" because the characters played by Sinatra, Clooney, and Bullock in the "Ocean's" movie series are all part of the Ocean family, known for their heist mastermind skills.
Taylor’s comeback? : SWIFT RECOVERY
The clue "Taylor's comeback?" is a play on words suggesting a return or recovery by someone named Taylor. "Swift" is a reference to Taylor Swift, a popular singer, making "Swift Recovery" the correct answer.
Tide competitor : ERA
"ERA" is the right solution because both Tide and ERA are popular laundry detergent brands, making them competitors in the market.
Two before X : VIII
The clue "Two before X" is asking for the Roman numeral that comes two places before X. In Roman numerals, X represents 10, and two places before X is VIII, which represents 8.
Wedding notice word : NEE
"NEE" is used in a wedding notice to indicate the bride's maiden name. It is a common way to show the bride's previous surname before marriage.
With 10-Down, game with light weapons? : LASER
The answer "LASER" fits the clue because when combined with "10-Down" (TAG), it forms the game "LASER TAG," which involves using light weapons.
Word on some Oscars : ACTRESS
The word "ACTRESS" is a common term used for a female performer in the movie industry, and Oscars are awards given to recognize excellence in the film industry. Therefore, "ACTRESS" is a fitting answer for the clue "Word on some Oscars."
__ equity : SWEAT
"Sweat equity" refers to the value that is added to a property or business by the owner's hard work and effort, rather than by financial investment. In this case, "sweat" is the right answer as it directly relates to the concept of "sweat equity."
__ trip : EGO Down 1 Jungfrau’s range
The answer to "__ trip" is "EGO" because an ego trip refers to someone being self-centered or excessively focused on themselves. The word "ego" represents a person's sense of self-importance, making it the correct answer.
__ trip : EGO Down 1 Jungfrau’s range
__-mo : SLO
The answer to "__-mo" is "SLO" because "SLO" is a common abbreviation for San Luis Obispo, a city in California. The clue is hinting at a shortened version of a city name, and "SLO" fits that description.
__-mo : SLO
The answer "SLO" fits the clue "__-mo" because it completes the phrase as "slowmo," which is a shortened form of "slow motion" often used in film or sports.
“Cobra __” : Netflix series about a dojo
The answer is "KAI" because "Cobra Kai" is a popular Netflix series about a dojo and the rivalry between two martial arts schools.
“Evita” name : PERON
"Evita" refers to Eva Perón, the wife of Argentine President Juan Perón. Therefore, the answer to the clue "“Evita” name" is "PERON."
“Mercy!” : LORDY!
"LORDY!" is an informal exclamation used to express surprise or dismay, similar in meaning to "Mercy!" in this context. It fits the clue well.
“The White Lotus” network : HBO
HBO is the network that aired the TV show "The White Lotus".