Here's all LA Times Crossword answers for 31 December 2024, Tuesday. 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.
Afterward : THEN
"Then" is the right answer because it is commonly used to indicate a sequence of events, with "Afterward" suggesting a subsequent time or order of actions.
Apple variety : MAC
The answer "MAC" is the right solution for the clue "Apple variety?" because "MAC" is a commonly known abbreviation for McIntosh, which is a popular type of apple.
Apple variety : MAC
Apple variety : MAC
"MAC" is the answer to "Apple variety" because it refers to the popular type of apple called McIntosh, commonly known as Mac.
Apple variety : MAC
The answer "MAC" is the right solution because it is a common abbreviation for the apple variety "McIntosh."
Bacon piece : STRIP
The word "strip" is commonly used to refer to a piece of bacon, making it the correct answer to the clue "Bacon piece."
Basic type of question : YES/NO
The answer "YES/NO" is the right solution because it refers to a basic type of question that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
Big name in health insurance : AETNA
AETNA is a well-known health insurance company, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Big name in health insurance."
Billionth : Pref.
The answer "Pref." is short for "prefix," which is a word part added to the beginning of a word to change its meaning. In this case, "Pref." represents the prefix "bi-," which means "two" or "twice," making it the correct answer for "Billionth."
Cardamom-infused milky tea : CHAI
"Chai" is a type of tea that is traditionally made with black tea, milk, sugar, and various spices, including cardamom. So, the term "Cardamom-infused milky tea" is a direct reference to "CHAI."
Cardinals great Musial : STAN
Stan Musial was a great baseball player who spent his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals. "Cardinals great" in the clue indicates that the answer is referring to a famous player from the St. Louis Cardinals, making "STAN" the correct answer.
Does as told : OBEYS
The word "obeys" means to do as one is told or to follow instructions, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Does as told."
Doozies : LULUS
"Lulus" is a slang term for something outstanding or remarkable, which fits the clue "Doozies" as they both mean something exceptional or remarkable.
Empty, as a bottle : POUR OUT
The answer "POUR OUT" fits the clue "Empty, as a bottle" because when you pour out a bottle, you are emptying its contents.
Find a new purpose for : REUSE
The answer "REUSE" fits the clue "Find a new purpose for" because it means using something again for a different or similar purpose, rather than throwing it away.
Find a new purpose for : REUSE
"Find a new purpose for" is a clue indicating that something is being used again in a different way, which is the definition of "REUSE."
Floor plan calculations : AREAS
The term "floor plan calculations" refers to determining the total area of different rooms or spaces in a building. Therefore, the answer "AREAS" makes sense as it directly relates to calculating the areas of various sections in a floor plan.
Garlic bulb segment : CLOVE
"CLOVE" is the right answer because a clove is a single segment of a garlic bulb. Just like how an orange is divided into segments, a garlic bulb is made up of individual cloves.
Gemstone surface : FACET
The surface of a gemstone is made up of flat polished surfaces called facets, which help reflect light and enhance the gem's sparkle. Therefore, "FACET" is the right answer.
Genre for “Dancing Queen” : DISCO
The answer is "DISCO" because "Dancing Queen" is a popular song by the Swedish group ABBA, which is known for their disco-influenced music.
Golf rental : CART
The answer "CART" is the right solution because in golf, a cart is a small vehicle used to transport golfers and their equipment around the course.
Got the gold : WON
"WON" is the right answer because in sporting events or competitions, the winner is often said to have "won" the gold medal or prize.
Grads-to-be : SRS
The answer "Abbr." is short for "abbreviation," indicating that the answer to the clue "Grads-to-be" is an abbreviation. In this case, "Grads-to-be" is abbreviated to "Abbr." to indicate that it refers to students who are about to graduate.
Grads-to-be : SRS
Greenish blue : TEAL
"TEAL" is the right answer because it is a color that is a mix of green and blue, making it greenish blue in hue.
Grotesque : HIDEOUS
The word "hideous" is a synonym for "grotesque," meaning extremely ugly or unpleasant in appearance.
He/him/__ : HIS
The clue "He/him/__" is asking for a possessive pronoun that follows the pattern of "He" and "him." The correct answer "HIS" fits this pattern as the possessive form of both "he" and "him."
High-elev. place : MTN
"MTN" is the abbreviation for "mountain," which is a high-elevation place.
Hole-making tool : AWL
An awl is a pointed tool used for making small holes in materials like leather or wood, making it the correct answer for the clue "Hole-making tool."
Ice cream holders : CONES
The answer "CONES" is the right solution because ice cream is commonly served in cone-shaped edible containers made of wafer or sugar.
Knocks firmly : RAPS
The word "raps" can mean to knock firmly or sharply on a surface, making it the correct answer to the clue "Knocks firmly."
Lies around : LOLLS
The word "LOLLS" means to lie around lazily or indolently. It perfectly fits the clue "Lies around" as it describes the action of being relaxed or lounging around.
Like most house pets : FURRY
"FURRY" is the right solution because most house pets, such as cats and dogs, have fur or hair covering their bodies. This characteristic sets them apart from other types of animals that may not have fur.
Lop-__ rabbit : EARED
The term "lop-eared" is commonly used to describe rabbits with long, drooping ears. Therefore, the correct answer to the clue "Lop-__ rabbit" is "EARED."
Math course with variables : ALGEBRA
The answer "ALGEBRA" is the right solution because algebra is a math course that deals with variables and symbols to represent numbers and quantities in equations and formulas.
Mobile home? : CRIB
The answer to "Mobile home" is "Abbr." because "Abbr." is short for abbreviation, which is a shortened form of a word or phrase. In this case, it suggests that the answer is an abbreviated term for a mobile home.
Mobile home? : CRIB
The answer "SHELL" fits the clue "Mobile home?" because a shell can refer to the outer structure or casing of a mobile home, like a shell of a snail that moves along with it.
Mobile home? : CRIB
The clue "Mobile home?" is a play on words, where "home" refers to a place where someone lives and "mobile" refers to a baby's crib that can be moved around. Therefore, the answer "CRIB" fits the clue.
Much of a sunflower : STEM
Much of a sunflower : STEM
The answer "STEM" fits the clue "Much of a sunflower" because the stem is a significant and prominent part of a sunflower plant. It supports the flower head and connects it to the roots, playing a crucial role in the plant's structure and function.
New Year’s Eve tradition in the Big Apple, and what can be found in 3-, 8-, 33-, and 37-Down? : BALL-DROP
The answer "BALL-DROP" fits the clue because the New Year's Eve tradition in New York City is the dropping of a large, illuminated ball in Times Square to mark the beginning of the new year. The numbers given in the clue correspond to the locations in the crossword where the word "BALL" can be found dropping down.
Not justified : UNDUE
The word "undue" means not justified or excessive. In this context, "Not justified" is a synonym for "undue," making it the right answer.
Op-ed piece, e.g. : ESSAY
The answer "ESSAY" fits the clue "Op-ed piece, e.g." because an op-ed is a type of essay that expresses the writer's opinion on a current issue or topic.
Opinion survey completed with clicks : ONLINE POLL
The answer "ONLINE POLL" fits because an opinion survey completed with clicks is typically conducted on the internet, making it an online poll.
Org. for Cubs and Tigers : MLB
The answer is "MLB" because it stands for Major League Baseball, which is the organization that includes teams like the Cubs and Tigers.
Parmesan, e.g. : HARD CHEESE
The answer "HARD CHEESE" fits the clue "Parmesan, e.g." because Parmesan is a type of hard cheese.
Perch for potted plants : LEDGE
"LEDGE" is the right answer because a ledge is a narrow shelf-like area that can be used as a perch for potted plants. It fits the clue perfectly.
Place for suckers? : CANDY STORE
The phrase "suckers" can refer to both lollipops and gullible people. A "candy store" is a place where you can buy lollipops, making it a literal answer. It can also be a place where gullible people might be fooled or taken advantage of, making it a clever play on words for the clue.
Playful marine mammal : OTTER
"OTTER" is the right solution because otters are known for their playful behavior in the water, making them a fitting answer for the clue "Playful marine mammal."
Poker pot starter : ANTE Down 1 Engrave on glass
The answer "ANTE" fits the clue "Poker pot starter" because in poker, players are required to put in a small initial bet called an "ante" before the cards are dealt.
Political campaign funding source : SOFT MONEY
"Soft money" refers to unregulated money raised by political parties for general purposes, such as voter registration drives and issue advocacy. It is a common source of funding for political campaigns.
Punk music offshoot : EMO
"EMO" is the right solution for "Punk music offshoot" because emo music originated as an offshoot of punk rock in the mid-1980s, characterized by its emotional lyrics and confessional songwriting style.
Scandinavian capital with many floating saunas : OSLO
Oslo is the capital of Norway, a Scandinavian country known for its many floating saunas. Therefore, "Scandinavian capital with many floating saunas" refers to Oslo.
Seafood-based party food : CLAM DIP
"CLAM DIP" is the right answer because it is a popular party food made with clams as the main ingredient, typically served with chips or crackers for dipping.
Settle the score : GET EVEN
The phrase "get even" means to settle a score or seek revenge, making it the right solution for the clue "Settle the score."
Shocked letters : OMG!
The answer "OMG!" is commonly used in texting and messaging to express shock or surprise, making it a fitting response to the clue "Shocked letters."
Soothing ingredient in some toners : ALOE
Aloe is a common ingredient in toners due to its soothing and hydrating properties, making it a fitting answer to the clue.
Sound softened by acoustic foam : ECHO
The sound softened by acoustic foam bounces back, creating a faint repetition known as an "echo."
Speedy way to the top : FAST TRACK
The answer "FAST TRACK" is the right solution because it refers to a quick or accelerated route to reach the top or achieve a goal, which fits the clue "Speedy way to the top."
Squeaky wheel remedy : OIL
The answer "OIL" is the right solution because applying oil to a squeaky wheel helps to reduce friction between moving parts, thereby eliminating the squeaking sound.
Succotash ingredient : BUTTER BEAN
Butter beans are a common ingredient in succotash, a dish typically made with corn and lima beans. Butter beans are also known as lima beans, making them a fitting answer to the clue "Succotash ingredient."
Supreme Being of Islam : ALLAH
"ALLAH" is the Arabic word for God in Islam. It is used to refer to the monotheistic deity worshiped by Muslims.
Takes in, say : ALTERS
The answer "ALTERS" fits the clue "Takes in, say" because altering something can involve making changes or adjustments to it, which can be a way of taking it in or modifying it.
Tech support whiz : IT PRO
"IT" is an abbreviation for information technology, and "PRO" is short for professional. Together, they form the term "IT PRO," which refers to a tech support expert.
Tirade : RANT
The word "rant" is a suitable answer to the clue "tirade" because a rant is a passionate and angry speech or outburst, which aligns with the meaning of tirade.
Tirade : RANT
"RANT" is a suitable answer for "Tirade" because both words refer to a long, angry, and passionate speech or outburst.
Toys with strings : KITES
Kites are toys that are flown using strings to control their movement in the air.
University in Beaumont, Texas : LAMAR
LAMAR is the right answer because Lamar University is located in Beaumont, Texas.
Visibly embarrassed : BEET RED
"BEET RED" is the right solution because when someone is embarrassed, they may turn red in the face, similar to the color of a beet.
Waterpark feature : CHUTE
The answer "CHUTE" fits the clue "Waterpark feature" because a chute is a water slide commonly found in waterparks for sliding down into a pool of water.
Yonder item : THAT
The word "that" is often used to refer to something that is located at a distance or "yonder." In this context, "that" is a suitable answer to the clue "Yonder item."
__ window : BAY
"BAY window" is a type of window that projects outward from the main walls of a building, forming a bay in the room.
“Regrettably … ” : ALAS …
"ALAS" is a word used to express regret or sorrow, making it a fitting answer to the clue "Regrettably..."
“Tra-__” : LA-LA
The clue "Tra-__" indicates a repeated sound or syllable, often found in songs or chants. "LA-LA" is a common example of this pattern, making it the right solution.
“Wow, that’s bad!” : YEESH!
The answer "YEESH!" is often used to express disgust or disappointment, making it a fitting response to the exclamation "Wow, that's bad!" in a crossword puzzle.