Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Friday March 10th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Otherwise occupied : BUSY: This phrase refers to someone who is engaged in some activity or work, and hence cannot be available for anything else at the moment. The word “busy” implies that the person has a lot to do and is currently occupied with something important.
5 “Checkmate!” : I WON: “Checkmate” is a term used in the game of chess to indicate that a player’s king is in a position to be captured (i.e., is under attack or check) and cannot escape. When a player puts their opponent’s king in checkmate, the game is over, and they have won. Hence the phrase “Checkmate! I won” signifies victory in the game.
9 Concert gear : AMPS: Amps is an abbreviation of amplifiers, which are electronic devices that increase the power of an audio signal. They are an essential component of any sound system, particularly in the context of a live performance, where they are used to amplify musical instruments and vocal microphones.
13 “__ upon a midnight dreary … ” : ONCE: This phrase is the opening line of the famous poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. The word “once” suggests that the narrator is reminiscing about a particular event that occurred in the past, which sets the mood for the poem’s haunting and melancholic themes.
14 Origami bird : CRANE: The crane is a traditional origami model that is considered a symbol of peace and longevity in Japanese culture. The bird is folded from a single square sheet of paper and requires intricate folding techniques to create its signature long neck and wingspan.
15 Henhouse : COOP: A coop is a small enclosure or shelter used for keeping chickens or other poultry. It typically consists of a wooden frame with wire mesh walls and a roof to protect the birds from predators and the elements.
16 “¡__ mío!” : DIOS: “¡Dios mío!” is a Spanish phrase that translates to “My God!” or “Oh my God!” It is an expression of surprise or disbelief and is often used as an interjection in conversation.
17 Rabbit kin : HARES: Hares are a type of mammal closely related to rabbits. They are known for their long ears and fast running speed, which allows them to evade predators in their natural habitat.
18 Color of unbleached linen : ECRU: Ecru is a light beige or fawn color that is similar in hue to unbleached linen. It is often used in fashion and interior design to create a neutral and understated look.
19 Dinner and drinks with a preacher? : HOLY MAN DATE: This phrase is a play on words that combines the idea of a romantic date with the concept of a “holy man,” or a religious figure such as a priest or minister. The phrase suggests a humorous or lighthearted approach to the topic of dating and relationships.
22 Actor Jeong : KEN: Ken Jeong is an American actor, comedian, and physician best known for his roles in the comedy films “The Hangover” and “Crazy Rich Asians.” He has also appeared in several TV shows, including “Community” and “Dr. Ken.”
23 “Quite so” : INDEED: “Indeed” is an adverb that means “in truth” or “in fact.” It is often used to confirm or emphasize a statement that has just been made, as in the phrase “Quite so, I agree.”
24 Move, roots and all : REPOT: Repotting is a process of transferring a plant to a new pot with fresh soil. When a plant outgrows its pot or the soil is depleted of nutrients, repotting becomes necessary. In this process, the plant is removed from its existing pot with its roots and all, and placed in a larger pot with fresh soil to encourage growth.
26 Thousands of years, for a megalith? : STONE MASS AGE: A megalith is a large stone monument that was constructed in prehistoric times using massive stones, such as those found in Stonehenge or the dolmens of France. The phrase “stone mass age” refers to the age of the megalith, which typically dates back thousands of years to the Neolithic or Bronze Age.
31 __ Diego : SAN: San Diego is a city located in the southern part of California, United States. The phrase “San Diego” means “Saint Diego” in Spanish and is named after Saint Didacus of Alcalá, a Spanish Franciscan friar.
CNN anchor Burnett : ERIN: Erin Burnett is an American news anchor and television personality who currently hosts
34 “Erin Burnett OutFront” on CNN. She has also worked for CNBC and has been a frequent guest on NBC’s “Today Show.”
35 Brain teaser aid : HINT: A hint is a clue or suggestion that helps solve a problem or puzzle. In the context of brain teasers, a hint can provide a small piece of information that nudges the solver in the right direction. Hints are often used in puzzle books or game shows to make the challenge more engaging and interactive.
36 Bouillon cube maker : KNORR: Knorr is a food brand that specializes in packaged soups, stocks, and seasonings. The brand is owned by Unilever and is known for its bouillon cubes, which are small cubes of dehydrated meat or vegetable broth used to add flavor to soups, stews, and gravies.
38 “Queen __”: pop music nickname : BEY: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, known professionally as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. She has won numerous awards and accolades for her music and is one of the most successful and influential artists in pop music today. “Queen Bey” is a nickname given to Beyoncé by her fans.
40 Big fetes : GALAS: A gala is a fancy, formal party or celebration, often held to raise money for a charity or other worthy cause. Galas are typically large, well-attended events that feature food, drinks, music, and entertainment, and they often require guests to dress in formal attire.
41 Quechua speaker : INCA: Quechua is a family of languages spoken primarily in the Andes region of South America, including Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia. The Inca civilization, which existed in the Andean region from the 13th to the 16th centuries, spoke a form of Quechua and is famous for its impressive architecture, agriculture, and social organization.
42 Nonpayment risk, for short : REPO: A repurchase agreement (repo) is a financial transaction in which a party sells an asset (usually securities) to another party with a promise to buy it back at a later date. Repos are often used in short-term lending markets and can carry risks, such as the risk of default or nonpayment.
44 Squalid digs : STY: A sty is a small, dirty living space, often associated with animals such as pigs. In a figurative sense, the term “sty” can also refer to a squalid or filthy living space for humans.
45 Exam for a certificate in mediation? : PEACE PRO TEST: A peace professional is someone who works to resolve conflicts and promote peace, often through mediation or other forms of dispute resolution. The phrase “peace pro test” is a play on words that suggests an exam for obtaining a certificate as a peace professional.
50 “Same!” : ME TOO: “Me too” is a common phrase used to express agreement or similarity with a statement or situation. It is often used in conversation or online discussions to show solidarity or to indicate that the speaker has had a similar experience.
51 Titter : TEE-HEE: A titter is a small, nervous laugh or giggle, often in response to something mildly humorous or awkward. The phrase “tee-hee” is often used to imitate the sound of a titter.
55 Golf ball position : LIE: The lie of a golf ball refers to the position or angle at which it rests on the ground. A good lie is one that allows the golfer to make a clean, solid contact with the ball and achieve the desired shot. The lie can be affected by factors such as the slope of the ground and the length of the grass.
57 Brief moment, or what three long answers in this puzzle have? : SPLIT SECOND: A split second is a very short amount of time, typically less than a second. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the phrase “split second” is a play on words that refers to the fact that three long answers in the puzzle are split into two parts, with the word “second” appearing in the middle of each answer.
60 Gumbo pod : OKRA: Okra is a vegetable that is often used in Southern and African cuisines, particularly in dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya. The edible part of the okra plant is a long, tapered green pod that contains small seeds.
62 Miso soup base : DASHI: Dashi is a Japanese soup stock that is used as a base for many dishes, including miso soup. It is typically made from simmering kombu (a type of seaweed) and katsuobushi (dried, fermented skipjack tuna) in water.
63 Possess : HAVE: To possess something is to have it or own it. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the word “have” is used as a synonym for “possess.”
64 Ray : BEAM: A beam is a long, straight piece of wood or metal that is used as a support or to span a distance. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the word “ray” is used as a synonym for “beam.”
65 Like some rural roads at night : UNLIT: Unlit roads are roads that are not illuminated by streetlights or other lighting sources. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the phrase “like some rural roads at night” is a clue that the answer is “unlit.”
66 Rid of wrinkles : IRON: To iron something is to remove wrinkles or creases from fabric using a hot iron. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the word “iron” is used as a verb meaning to get rid of wrinkles.
67 “__ there, tiger” : EASY: The phrase “easy there, tiger” is a colloquial expression that is used to tell someone to calm down or take it easy. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the blank space before “there, tiger” indicates that the answer is a two-letter word, which is “easy.”
68 Poems of praise : ODES: An ode is a type of poem that is typically written in praise of someone or something. Odes are often formal and structured, and they are often used to celebrate important events or people.
69 Ice cream brand with a birthday cake flavor : EDY’S: Edy’s is a brand of ice cream that is sold in the United States. The brand is known for its wide range of flavors, including a popular birthday cake flavor that contains pieces of cake and frosting mixed into the ice cream.
DOWN
1 __ Tree: place of enlightenment in Buddhist tradition : BODHI: The Bodhi Tree is a sacred fig tree located in Bodh Gaya, India, under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. The word “bodhi” means “awakening” or “enlightenment” in Sanskrit, and the tree is considered a holy site for Buddhists.
2 Collective bargaining group : UNION: A union is an organization of workers that is formed to protect the rights and interests of its members. Unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions.
3 Give a good talking-to : SCOLD: To scold someone is to reprimand or criticize them harshly for their behavior. The word can be used to describe a verbal dressing down or a rebuke.
4 “Okay, I get it” : YES YES: The phrase “yes yes” is a colloquial expression that is often used to indicate agreement or understanding. In the context of the crossword puzzle, the phrase is a response to someone who is explaining something or giving instructions.
5 Country where Farsi is spoken : IRAN: Iran is a country in the Middle East that is known for its rich history and culture. The official language of Iran is Persian, which is also known as Farsi.
6 New Orleans voting district : WARD: A ward is a political division used in some cities and towns to organize voting districts. In New Orleans, the city is divided into 17 wards, each of which is represented by an elected official.
7 Like challenging pushups : ONE-ARM: One-arm pushups are a type of exercise that require a significant amount of strength and balance. The exercise involves performing a pushup while balancing on one arm, with the other arm extended out to the side or held behind the back.
8 Lipton rival : NESTEA: Nestea is a brand of iced tea that is produced by the Coca-Cola Company. The brand is a rival to Lipton, which is another popular brand of iced tea.
9 Royal flush card : ACE: In a deck of playing cards, an ace is the highest-ranking card. When used in a game of poker, an ace can be used as either a high card or a low card, depending on the other cards in the player’s hand.
10 Nojito and nada colada, for two : MOCKTAILS: A mocktail is a non-alcoholic cocktail that is typically made with fruit juice, soda, and other mixers. The word “mocktail” is a combination of “mock” (meaning “imitation”) and “cocktail.”
11 Sweat outlet : PORE: A pore is a tiny opening in the skin that allows sweat and other substances to pass through. Pores are also found in other parts of the body, such as the lungs and the digestive system.
12 Like some silk or sugar : SPUN: The word “spun” can be used to describe silk or sugar that has been processed into thread or fine strands. The word is often used to describe the texture of these materials, which have a smooth, thread-like quality.
14 Garment similar to a hijab : CHADOR
A chador is a type of garment that is worn by some Muslim women to cover their body and head in public. It is similar to a hijab, but the chador is typically a full-body cloak that extends to the feet.
20 Parking post : METER
A parking meter is a device used to collect money in exchange for the right to park a vehicle in a particular spot for a set amount of time.
21 Short music releases : EPS
An EP, or extended play, is a type of music release that is longer than a single but shorter than a full album. It typically contains four to six tracks.
25 Job safety org. : OSHA
OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is a government agency in the United States that is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees.
27 Bit of cacao : NIB
A cacao nib is a small piece of crushed cocoa bean. It is a key ingredient in chocolate-making and can also be used in baking and cooking.
28 Month before febrero : ENERO
Enero is the Spanish word for January, which is the month before febrero, or February.
29 Little pest : GNAT
A gnat is a small flying insect that is commonly found near bodies of water. They are known for being a nuisance to humans and animals.
30 Site with handmade crafts : ETSY
Etsy is an online marketplace where people can buy and sell handmade or vintage items, as well as craft supplies and unique factory-manufactured items.
31 Omit : SKIP
To skip something means to leave it out or avoid doing it. In the context of a crossword puzzle, skipping a clue may mean not attempting to solve it or leaving it blank.
32 Actress Hathaway : ANNE
Anne Hathaway is an American actress known for her roles in films such as “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Les Misérables,” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”
33 Sign at some museums : NO CAMERAS
Some museums prohibit visitors from taking photographs or using cameras inside their exhibitions. This may be to protect the artwork or artifacts, to prevent distraction or disruption to other visitors, or for other reasons.
37 Sack __ : RACE
A sack race is a game where participants race by hopping in sacks or bags. It is often played at picnics, carnivals, and other outdoor events.
39 Thus far : YET – The crossword clue refers to the expression “thus far” which means up until now or until the present moment. It is often used to describe the progress of something or someone, such as a project or a person’s career.
40 “Check it out” : GO SEE – This crossword clue refers to a common phrase used to encourage someone to check something out or take a look at something. It could be used to invite someone to watch a movie or to see a new exhibit at a museum, for example.
43 Watch the birdie? : PET-SIT – This crossword clue is a play on words. “Watch the birdie” is a common phrase used to get someone to look at a camera and smile. In this case, “watch the birdie” refers to the act of watching over a pet bird while its owner is away. “Pet-sit” is a verb that means to take care of someone’s pet while they are away.
46 UFO beings : ETS – The crossword clue refers to the idea of extraterrestrial beings, or “ETs,” which are creatures that are believed to come from other planets or galaxies. This term is often used in science fiction and conspiracy theories related to sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).
47 Tegan and Sara, for one : POP DUO – This crossword clue is referring to the musical duo Tegan and Sara, who are a Canadian indie pop duo. The term “pop duo” refers to a musical act consisting of two performers who play pop music, which is a genre of popular music that originated in the 1950s and emphasizes catchy melodies and upbeat rhythms.
48 “Independence Day” director Emmerich : ROLAND – The crossword clue refers to the German film director Roland Emmerich, who is known for directing blockbuster movies such as “Independence Day” and “The Day After Tomorrow.” He is known for his use of special effects and his films often involve themes of disaster and destruction.
49 Computer pro : TECHIE – The crossword clue refers to a person who is skilled or knowledgeable in the field of technology, especially computers. A “techie” is someone who works with or is interested in technology and is often associated with the tech industry.
52 Stockpile : HOARD – The crossword clue refers to the act of accumulating or storing large quantities of something, such as food or money, for future use. A “hoard” can also refer to a hidden or secret stash of something, often with the implication that it was acquired through questionable means.
53 Diplomat : ENVOY – The crossword clue refers to a person who is sent on a diplomatic mission to represent their country or government. An “envoy” is a diplomat who is sent to negotiate or communicate with foreign governments or organizations.
54 Perfect places : EDENS – The crossword clue refers to the biblical concept of the Garden of Eden, which is often seen as a perfect and idyllic place. The term “Eden” has come to be used more broadly to refer to any place that is considered a perfect or ideal environment.
55 Ear part : LOBE
The ear lobe is the fleshy, lower part of the human ear that hangs down and is often used for piercings or decorative jewelry.
56 Store whose packages typically contain Allen keys : IKEA
IKEA is a Swedish-founded multinational company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. Many of their products require assembly using Allen keys, which are included in the packaging.
58 Archipelago part : ISLE
An isle is a small island, often used to refer to one of a group of islands in an archipelago.
59 __ end up : THIS
“This” can be used in the phrase “end up like this” to refer to a negative outcome or undesirable situation that someone has found themselves in.
61 Sedaris of “The Mandalorian” : AMY
Amy Sedaris is an American actress, comedian, and writer who played the character of Peli Motto in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian”. Peli Motto is a mechanic who operates a repair shop on the planet Tatooine.
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