Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Friday April 14th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Pizza chain in many food courts : SBARRO
Sbarro is a pizza chain that was founded in 1956 by Gennaro and Carmela Sbarro. The first restaurant was located in Brooklyn, New York, and the chain has since expanded to many food courts across the United States and other countries. Sbarro is known for its New York-style pizza and other Italian-American cuisine, such as pasta, salads, and Stromboli.
7 Mark Cuban’s NBA team : DALLAS
Mark Cuban is an American businessman, investor, and television personality. He is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Cuban purchased the team in 2000 and has since transformed it into a championship-winning organization.
13 Blue state : SADNESS
In the context of the crossword puzzle, “blue state” is being used as a play on words. In politics, a “blue state” refers to a state that tends to vote for Democratic candidates, while a “red state” tends to vote for Republican candidates. However, in this context, “blue state” is being used to mean “sadness” or “depression.”
15 Fútbol chant : OLE OLE
“Olé Olé” is a chant often heard at fútbol (soccer) games. It is typically sung by fans to show support for their team and to create a festive atmosphere. The chant originated in Spain but has since become popular around the world.
16 Member of the swim-up bar staff? : TREADING WAITER
This clue is a bit of a play on words. A “swim-up bar” is a bar that is located in a swimming pool, and customers can order drinks while standing in the water. A “treading waiter” is a member of the bar staff who is able to stand or walk on the bottom of the pool while carrying drinks to customers.
18 La Scala showpiece : ARIA
La Scala is a famous opera house in Milan, Italy. An “aria” is a solo vocal piece that is typically performed in an opera. Many famous arias have been performed at La Scala over the years, making it a popular destination for opera lovers.
19 Take a little off the top : TRIM
“Take a little off the top” is a common phrase that is often used when getting a haircut. It means to cut a small amount of hair from the top of the head, usually to neaten up the hairstyle. In the context of the crossword puzzle, “trim” is the answer to the clue.
21 Exercise class that’s all about one’s ego? : VANITY PILATES
This clue is a play on words, using the term “vanity” to refer to a person’s excessive pride or self-admiration, and “Pilates” to refer to a popular form of exercise that emphasizes flexibility, core strength, and body awareness. So the answer to this clue, “VANITY PILATES,” suggests a type of Pilates class that caters to people who are more interested in showing off their toned bodies and impressing others, rather than focusing on the health benefits of the exercise itself.
26 Hardware with crosspieces : T-BOLTS
A T-bolt is a type of bolt that has a T-shaped head and a threaded shaft. The crosspiece of the T can be used as a handle for tightening or loosening the bolt. T-bolts are often used in machinery and equipment to fasten parts together securely.
28 Big name in nail polish : OPI
OPI is a well-known brand of nail polish that offers a wide range of colors and finishes. The name OPI stands for Odontorium Products Inc., which was the original name of the company when it was founded in 1981. OPI has become popular for its high-quality formulas and trendy color collections.
29 Phishing fig. : SSN
In this clue, “phishing” refers to a type of cybercrime in which scammers use fraudulent emails, texts, or websites to trick people into giving away their personal information, such as their Social Security number (SSN). So the answer to this clue, “SSN,” is an abbreviation for Social Security number, which is a unique nine-digit identifier that is issued by the US government to citizens and residents for tax and social security purposes.
30 Interior designer Berkus : NATE
Nate Berkus is an American interior designer and TV personality who has appeared on several home design shows, including “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Nate & Jeremiah by Design.” He is known for his modern, eclectic style and his ability to mix vintage and contemporary pieces to create unique and personalized spaces.
31 Marriages : UNIONS
In this clue, “marriages” is a synonym for “unions,” which refers to the act of joining two or more things together to form a single entity. In the context of the clue, “marriages” likely refers specifically to the joining of two people in a legal and emotional partnership.
34 Elements needed to start NFL games? : THE PROS AND COINS
This clue is a play on words, using the term “elements” to refer to the two things that are required to start an NFL game: the professional players (i.e. “the pros”) and the coin toss that determines which team gets the ball first (i.e. “coins”). So the answer to this clue, “THE PROS AND COINS,” is a playful way of describing what is needed to kick off a football game.
40 Most massive: HUGEST refers to something that is the biggest or largest in terms of size or weight. It could be used to describe an object or a concept that is larger than anything else of its kind.
41 Barrel band: HOOP refers to the metal ring that encircles a barrel to hold the staves together. It can also be used to describe any similar metal ring or band that is used to secure or reinforce something.
42 Many a “9-1-1” character: EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician, who is a trained medical professional who provides emergency medical care to patients in critical conditions. They are the first responders to emergency situations and provide essential medical assistance to stabilize the patient before transporting them to a medical facility.
45 Make a typo, say: ERR refers to making a mistake or error while writing, typing, speaking, or performing any task. It can also be used to describe a deviation from a set or expected standard or norm.
46 Not fair: CLOUDY refers to a situation or condition that is uncertain, vague, or ambiguous. It can also be used to describe a situation that is not clear or transparent, and where the truth is hidden or obscured.
48 Tricks for producing excellent Tweetstorms?: TIRADE SECRETS is a crossword clue that refers to the techniques or strategies used to create engaging and effective Twitter threads or Tweetstorms. A tirade is a long, angry speech, and the secrets refer to the tactics or methods used to create a persuasive or impactful message on social media.
52 One with elitist tastes: SNOB refers to a person who has a strong preference for high-quality, expensive, or exclusive things, and looks down upon or disdains anything that is considered ordinary or common. They often display an air of superiority or haughtiness towards others who do not share their tastes or values.
53 Gray __: AREA refers to a location or region that is undetermined or vague, and lacks definition or clarity. It could also refer to an undefined or ill-defined part of a larger area or territory, such as a gray area in the law.
54 “Not staying long,” and an apt title for this puzzle? I JUST DROPPED IN is a crossword clue that is also the title of the puzzle. It refers to a casual visit or brief appearance, suggesting that the theme answers are not deeply connected, but rather a collection of random phrases that happen to fit the puzzle.
62 “Come From the Heart” country singer Kathy: MATTEA refers to Kathy Mattea, an American country music singer who has released several chart-topping albums and hit songs. She is known for her soulful and expressive vocals and her ability to blend traditional country music with contemporary sounds.
63 Without any oomph: WEARILY refers to a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or motivation, and suggests a feeling of exhaustion, fatigue, or ennui. It can also be used to describe a situation or activity that is dull, monotonous, or unexciting.
64 Came next: ENSUED refers to what happens after an event or action, suggesting a sequence of events or a chain reaction. It can also be used to describe a natural consequence or result of a particular situation or event.
65 Office binder: STAPLE refers to a small, U-shaped wire that is used to hold papers together. It is inserted into the papers and bent to secure them in place. The word “staple” can also refer to something that is fundamental, essential, or necessary, such as a staple food or a staple of an industry or society.
DOWN
1 Retired jet: SST stands for supersonic transport, which refers to a type of commercial aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound. The most famous example is the Concorde, a joint British-French design that operated from 1976 to 2003.
2 Granola __: BAR refers to a snack bar that is made with granola, a type of breakfast cereal that is typically made from rolled oats, nuts, honey, and other ingredients. Granola bars are a popular snack food that is convenient and portable, and often marketed as a healthy option.
3 Juice aisle suffix: -ADE is a suffix that is added to the end of a word to indicate a beverage made from a particular fruit or vegetable. For example, lemonade is a drink made from lemons, and limeade is a drink made from limes. Other examples include orangeade, grapeade, and cherryade.
4 Genetic letters: RNA stands for ribonucleic acid, which is a type of nucleic acid that plays a crucial role in the synthesis of proteins. RNA is composed of four nucleotide bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil. These bases are arranged in a specific sequence that codes for the synthesis of a particular protein.
5 Hill-building stinger: RED ANT refers to a type of ant that is typically red in color and known for its ability to build large, complex nests or mounds. Red ants are also known for their aggressive behavior and their painful stings, which can cause a burning sensation and irritation.
6 Egyptian god of the underworld: OSIRIS was one of the most important gods in ancient Egyptian mythology. He was the god of the underworld, the afterlife, and resurrection. Osiris was typically depicted as a mummified figure with a green face and holding a crook and flail, symbols of kingship and power.
7 __ Jones: DOW refers to Dow Jones, a financial news and data provider that specializes in the stock market and other financial markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is one of the most widely recognized and closely followed stock market indexes in the world.
8 Menu phrase: A LA is a French phrase that is often used in English to describe a dish that is prepared in a particular style or manner. For example, chicken a la king is a dish made with chicken and a creamy sauce, while steak au poivre is a steak that is coated in peppercorns and served with a brandy sauce.
9 Island chain: LEI refers to a Hawaiian tradition of giving a garland of flowers to someone as a symbol of affection or respect. The garland, which is called a lei, is often made from flowers or other natural materials, such as shells or leaves, and is typically worn around the neck or draped over the shoulders.
10 Buncha: LOTTA is a colloquialism that means “a lot of” or “a large amount of.” It is often used in informal speech or writing and is sometimes considered non-standard English.
11 National Weather Service postings: ALERTS are notifications issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) to warn the public of dangerous weather conditions or other hazards, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or severe thunderstorms. These alerts are typically broadcast over radio, television, or the internet, and may also be sent directly to individuals via text message or email.
12 Binger’s target: SERIES refers to a TV show or other form of entertainment that is consumed in a binge-watching session. Binge-watching refers to the practice of watching multiple episodes of a TV show in rapid succession, often over the course of several hours or even days.
14 Cranky mood: SNIT refers to a state of agitation or irritability, often caused by frustration or annoyance. It can also be used to describe a tantrum or outburst of anger or frustration.
17 Part of LGBTQ+: GAY refers to a term used to describe people who are attracted to others of the same sex. It is also used more broadly as an umbrella term to describe the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community as a whole.
20 Web portal with a butterfly logo: MSN is a web portal and online service provider that offers news, sports, entertainment, and other content from a variety of sources. It was launched in 1995 by Microsoft and features a distinctive butterfly logo.
21 Participate in a primary, say: VOTE refers to the act of casting a ballot in an election. In a primary election, voters choose which candidate from their political party will go on to represent the party in the general election.
22 First Hebrew letter: ALEPH is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet and is used in Hebrew writing and Jewish mysticism. It is also used in some other languages, such as Arabic, where it represents the glottal stop sound.
23 Gesture while giving directions, maybe: POINT refers to the act of indicating a direction or location by extending a finger or hand in the desired direction. It is a common gesture used when giving directions or showing someone where to go.
24 Shuffle gadget: IPOD is a brand of portable media players developed and marketed by Apple Inc. The iPod was first introduced in 2001 and quickly became popular as a way to listen to music on the go. The iPod Shuffle, introduced in 2005, was a smaller and more affordable version of the device that allowed users to listen to music in a randomized order.
25 “The Mod Squad” role for Omar Epps: LINC was a character played by Omar Epps in the 1999 film adaptation of “The Mod Squad.” The Mod Squad was a popular TV show that aired from 1968 to 1973 and followed the adventures of three young undercover cops who infiltrate the counterculture to solve crimes.
26 Explosive letters: TNT is a highly explosive compound that is used in a variety of industrial and military applications, including mining, demolition, and warfare. It is also the abbreviation for the chemical compound trinitrotoluene, which is the active ingredient in many explosives. The initials “TNT” have become a popular cultural reference to indicate something that is explosive or exciting.
27 “Phooey!”: BAH is an exclamation of disgust, annoyance, or disapproval. It is often used to express frustration or disappointment with a situation.
31 Tech support callers: USERS are individuals who utilize a particular piece of technology, software, or service. In the context of tech support, users are typically individuals who are experiencing issues with their devices or software and require assistance from technical support personnel.
32 “Panini” rapper Lil __ X: NAS is a rapper and singer known for his hit songs “Old Town Road” and “Panini.” He first gained popularity through his music on social media and has since become a major force in the music industry.
33 Not __: barely acceptable: SO HOT is a phrase used to indicate that something is barely acceptable or just good enough. It suggests that the quality of the item or situation is not ideal but is tolerable.
35 Had regrets: RUED means to feel regret or remorse for something that has been done or said. It is a term often used to describe a sense of sorrow or remorse for past actions or decisions.
36 Nasty sort: OGRE is a fictional creature often depicted as a large, ugly, and fearsome humanoid. In folklore and mythology, ogres are typically depicted as violent and cruel creatures that often eat humans and other animals.
37 “We’ll square up later” markers: IOUS are informal notes that record a debt or obligation owed by one person to another. They are often used between friends or acquaintances to record debts for small amounts of money, favors, or other obligations that are owed but not immediately settled.
38 Wordless agreement: NOD is a gesture of agreement or approval that involves moving one’s head up and down slightly. It is a nonverbal way of indicating that one understands or agrees with what has been said or suggested.
39 Seeker of intel: SPY is an individual who gathers information or intelligence covertly on behalf of a government or organization. Spies are often involved in espionage and may use a variety of methods to obtain information, including surveillance, infiltration, and deception.
42 UFO mechanics, presumably: ETS is a term often used in popular culture to refer to extraterrestrial beings, or aliens. In the context of this crossword clue, the term is suggesting that ETS are responsible for the mechanics of UFOs, or unidentified flying objects.
43 Verne Troyer’s “Austin Powers” role: MINI-ME is a character from the “Austin Powers” film series, played by the late actor Verne Troyer. Mini-Me is a diminutive clone of the villainous Dr. Evil, who serves as his loyal henchman.
44 __ horse: TROJAN is a term used to describe a type of malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program but is actually designed to cause harm to a computer system. It is named after the Trojan horse from Greek mythology, which was used to trick the defenders of Troy and gain entry to the city.
46 Brunch choice: CREPES are thin, pancake-like pastries that are often served for breakfast or brunch. They can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients, such as fruit, cheese, or eggs.
47 Seize, as an opportunity: LEAP AT means to eagerly and enthusiastically take advantage of an opportunity or offer. It suggests a sense of urgency and excitement about the prospect of something positive or beneficial.
49 Is up against: ABUTS means to be adjacent to or border on something. It suggests a physical connection or contact between two things, such as properties or pieces of land.
50 Canal setting: EAR refers to the part of a body of water that is connected to a larger body of water, such as a river or an ocean. In the context of this crossword clue, “canal setting” likely refers to the location of a canal, which is often built to connect bodies of water.
51 Jackdaw kin: CROW is a type of bird that is known for its distinctive call and black feathers. Jackdaws are a smaller member of the crow family, found in Europe and western Asia.
55 Disco __ of “The Simpsons”: STU is a character from the long-running animated television show, “The Simpsons.” Disco Stu is a stereotypical disco enthusiast who dresses in 1970s-style clothing and is often seen dancing to disco music.
56 Rugby ball prop: TEE is a device used in rugby to hold the ball in place for a player to kick it. The tee is typically made of plastic or rubber and is placed on the ground by the player or a teammate.
57 Cam or Mitch, on “Modern Family”: DAD refers to one of the two fathers in the television show “Modern Family.” Cam and Mitch are a same-sex couple who are the adoptive parents of a young girl named Lily. The show is known for its portrayal of diverse family structures and its humor about contemporary family life.
58 Celebrated time span: ERA refers to a period of time that is distinguished by particular cultural, social, or historical characteristics. For example, the Renaissance Era is known for its art, literature, and scientific advancements in Europe during the 14th to 17th centuries.
59 Short swim: DIP refers to a quick swim, usually in shallow water. It can also refer to briefly immersing an object or food in a liquid, such as dipping a cookie into a glass of milk.
60 Under the weather: ILL means to be in poor health or feeling unwell. This can refer to a wide range of physical or mental conditions, from minor illnesses like the common cold to more serious diseases.
61 “Science Guy” Bill: NYE refers to Bill Nye, a scientist, engineer, and television personality who is known for his popular science show “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” The show, which ran from 1993 to 1998, was aimed at children and focused on teaching scientific concepts in an entertaining and engaging way. Nye continues to be an advocate for science education and has been involved in a variety of science-related projects throughout his career.
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