Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Friday April 28th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 ANT farm: An ant farm is a man-made enclosure that simulates a natural environment in which ants are kept and observed. Ant farms are often used for educational purposes, allowing people to observe the behavior of ants in a controlled environment. The ants tunnel through the soil and create elaborate networks, providing a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these tiny insects.
4 CLAP: To clap is to strike the palms of one’s hands together, usually in appreciation or approval. When someone says “let’s give it up for…,” they are asking for a round of applause for someone or something deserving of recognition or appreciation.
8 ASS: A burro is a small domesticated donkey, which is also known as an ass. Burros are commonly used as pack animals and for riding, and they are known for their sure-footedness and stamina.
11 CON: To bamboozle is to deceive or trick someone through elaborate or cunning methods. A con, short for “confidence trick,” is a type of scam in which the victim is persuaded to believe in a false reality or situation in order to be exploited for money or other resources.
14 LOO: A lav or loo is a British slang term for a bathroom or toilet. It can refer to any facility that provides a place for people to relieve themselves, whether it’s a public restroom or a private bathroom in a home or other building.
15 ZEDS: This is a wordplay clue, as the answer relies on a pun. Zeds is a British slang term for the letter “Z,” which is pronounced “zed” in British English. The clue is playing with the idea of a London jazz duo whose name sounds like “Zeds.” The answer could be any jazz duo whose name contains the letter “Z,” such as the Zawinul Syndicate or the Zoot Sims Quartet.
16 SHEERAN: Ed Sheeran is a British singer-songwriter known for his hits such as “Shape of You,” “Thinking Out Loud,” and “Photograph.” He has won numerous awards and accolades for his music, and is considered one of the most successful artists of his generation.
18 Forged painting? : ART DECOY
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “Art decoy” sounds like “artwork” but with the added element of deception or trickery implied by the word “decoy.” A forged painting is a fake artwork intended to deceive buyers or art collectors into thinking it is a genuine piece.
20 Foul : POLLUTE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to the act of contaminating or making something impure. When something is “foul,” it is often associated with an unpleasant or disgusting odor, taste, or appearance. In this case, the answer is “pollute,” which means to make something unclean or harmful by adding pollutants or toxins.
21 Get lovey-dovey : SMOOCH
Answer: “Smooch” is a slang term for a kiss or a display of affection. When two people get “lovey-dovey,” they are expressing romantic feelings towards each other. Therefore, the answer to this crossword clue is “smooch,” as it is a way to get lovey-dovey with someone.
22 Post-makeover self : NEW ME
Answer: This crossword clue refers to the idea of reinventing oneself after a significant change or transformation, such as a makeover. The answer is “new me,” which implies that the person has a fresh start or a new identity after undergoing a transformation.
23 When kids start rolling their eyes at everything their parents say? : THE IRONY AGE
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “The irony age” sounds like “the iron age,” which was a historical period characterized by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons. In this case, the answer is a pun that refers to the stage in a child’s development when they start to exhibit irony or sarcasm towards their parents, often accompanied by eye-rolling or other signs of frustration.
27 Ink : TATS
Answer: This crossword clue refers to the art of tattooing, which involves using ink to create permanent designs on the skin. “Tats” is a slang term for tattoos, and the answer to this crossword clue is “ink,” which is the material used to create the tattoo.
30 Make hay, maybe : MOW
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “Making hay” is a common phrase that refers to taking advantage of a situation or making the most of an opportunity. In this case, the answer is “mow,” which refers to the act of cutting grass or hay with a mower. The play on words comes from the fact that making hay often involves cutting and drying grass, which is similar to mowing.
31 Country quarters : INNS
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a type of lodging that is often found in rural areas, particularly inns or bed and breakfasts. The answer is “inns,” which are establishments that offer accommodations and often include restaurants or other amenities.
34 Spanish cheer : OLE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a cheer commonly used in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. The answer is “ole,” which is often shouted at bullfights, soccer games, and other events to express enthusiasm or support.
35 Gardener’s mixture : LOAM
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a type of soil that is often preferred by gardeners. The answer is “loam,” which is a mixture of sand, silt, and clay that provides a good balance of drainage and moisture retention for plants to grow in.
37 Cuss out : SWEAR AT
Answer: This crossword clue refers to using profanity or foul language to insult or offend someone. The answer is “swear at,” which is a phrase that describes the act of cussing someone out.
40 School newspaper entries from its youngest reporters? : KINDERGARTEN COPY
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “Kindergarten copy” sounds like “newspaper copy,” but with the added element of young reporters implied by the word “kindergarten.” The answer refers to the articles and other written content created by the youngest reporters for a school newspaper.
43 “No need to explain further” : YES I SEE
Answer: This crossword clue is a phrase used to indicate understanding or comprehension of something that has been explained. The answer is “yes I see,” which means that the speaker understands the information and does not require further explanation.
44 Broke new ground? : HOED
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “Broke new ground” is a phrase that refers to doing something innovative or pioneering. In this case, the answer is “hoed,” which refers to the act of breaking up soil in preparation for planting crops. The play on words comes from the fact that “hoed” sounds like “hold,” but with the added element of breaking new ground implied by the clue.
45 Spy-fi writer Deighton : LEN
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a British author named Len Deighton, who is known for his spy and espionage novels. The answer is “Len,” which is the first name of the author.
46 Turow book : ONE L
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a novel by American author Scott Turow. The answer is “One L,” which is the title of Turow’s memoir about his experiences as a first-year law student at Harvard Law School.
47 Shar-__: wrinkly dog : PEI
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a breed of dog that is known for its wrinkly skin and distinctive appearance. The answer is “pei,” which is short for Shar-Pei, a Chinese breed of dog.
48 “Anything __?” : ELSE
Answer: This crossword clue is a phrase that is commonly used to inquire about additional options or possibilities. The answer is “else,” which is a word that indicates that there may be other choices or alternatives to consider.
49 Sign that it’s time to clean the closet? : DUSTY JACKET
Answer: This crossword clue is a play on words. “Dusty jacket” sounds like “just the ticket,” but with the added element of a closet and cleaning implied by the clue. The answer refers to a jacket that has been sitting in a closet for a long time and has accumulated dust, indicating that it is time to clean out the closet and get rid of any unused or unwanted items.
55 Some pasta : TUBES
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a type of pasta that is shaped like tubes or cylinders. The answer is “tubes,” which can refer to a variety of pasta shapes, including penne, rigatoni, and ziti.
56 James Cameron blockbuster set on Pandora : AVATAR
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a science fiction movie directed by James Cameron. The answer is “Avatar,” which is set on the fictional planet of Pandora and follows the story of a disabled marine who becomes part of an avatar program that allows him to interact with the native inhabitants of the planet. The movie was a huge commercial success and won multiple awards, including three Academy Awards.
60 Critters sought in a Nintendo game : POKEMON
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a popular video game franchise created by Nintendo. The answer is “Pokemon,” short for “Pocket Monsters,” which features fictional creatures with special abilities that can be trained and battled against other players’ Pokemon.
63 “Allow me to explain,” and a phonetic hint to this puzzle’s theme : HERE’S WHY
Answer: This crossword clue is a phrase that is often used to introduce an explanation or justification for something. It also serves as a hint to the theme of the puzzle, which involves phrases or words that start with the sound “Y” (phonetically represented as “why”).
65 Rust-causing agent : OXIDANT
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a chemical or substance that can cause rust or corrosion on metal surfaces. The answer is “oxidant,” which is a term used to describe a substance that causes oxidation, a chemical reaction that can cause rust or other types of corrosion.
66 “Dear __ Hansen” : EVAN
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a Tony Award-winning musical that premiered on Broadway in 2016. The answer is “Evan,” which is the first name of the main character, a high school student who becomes embroiled in a web of lies and deceit after the death of a classmate.
67 Energizer size : AAA
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a size of battery commonly used in electronic devices such as remote controls, digital cameras, and portable gaming systems. The answer is “AAA,” which is a standardized battery size designation that indicates a cylindrical battery that is 44.5 mm long and 10.5 mm in diameter.
68 Pea holder : POD
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a container for peas or other small vegetables. The answer is “pod,” which is a term used to describe the outer covering of certain types of fruits and vegetables, including peas, beans, and okra.
69 Cartoon frame : CEL
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a transparent sheet of celluloid that is used in the animation process to create each individual frame of a cartoon. The answer is “cel,” short for “celluloid,” which was a standard material used in animation until it was replaced by digital methods.
70 Bulb unit : WATT
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a unit of power that is commonly used to measure the output of light bulbs and other electrical devices. The answer is “watt,” which is a standard unit of measurement in the International System of Units (SI) and is defined as one joule of energy per second.
71 Phisher’s fig. : SSN
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a common target of online scams, in which fraudsters attempt to obtain sensitive personal information such as passwords or social security numbers. The answer is “SSN,” which is an abbreviation for “social security number,” a unique nine-digit identification number issued by the U.S. government to citizens and certain types of residents.
DOWN
1 “Ah, me!” : ALAS
Answer: This crossword clue is an exclamation used to express sorrow or regret. The answer is “alas,” which is a word that has been in use since at least the 13th century and is derived from the Middle English “alas” or “allas,” which means “oh woe.”
2 Convention : NORM
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a widely accepted practice or standard of behavior. The answer is “norm,” which is a term used to describe a pattern of behavior that is considered typical or expected in a particular social context.
3 “Africa” band : TOTO
Answer: This crossword clue refers to an American rock band that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The answer is “Toto,” which is known for hits such as “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna,” and “Africa.”
4 Slovak neighbor : CZECH
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a country in Central Europe that shares a border with Slovakia. The answer is “Czech,” short for the Czech Republic, which was formed in 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into two independent countries.
5 Dulce de __ : LECHE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a sweet, creamy dessert that is popular in Latin American cuisine. The answer is “leche,” which is Spanish for “milk.” “Dulce de leche” is a caramel-like sauce or spread made by heating sweetened condensed milk until it thickens and turns a golden brown color.
6 Fuss : ADO
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a commotion or disturbance, often over a trivial matter. The answer is “ado,” which is a word that has been in use since the 14th century and is derived from the Middle English phrase “at do,” which means “in doing.”
7 “Gangnam Style” rapper : PSY
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a South Korean musician and rapper who became internationally famous for his song “Gangnam Style” in 2012. The answer is “Psy,” short for Park Jae-sang, who has also released several other successful albums and singles in Korea.
8 Colorado quaker : ASPEN
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a city in Colorado known for its scenic beauty and skiing. The answer is “Aspen,” which is located in the Rocky Mountains and is a popular tourist destination.
9 Like a strutting peacock : SHOWY
Answer: This crossword clue describes something that is flashy or ostentatious, like the colorful display of a peacock’s feathers. The answer is “showy,” which means characterized by a tendency to attract attention or impress others.
10 Title city in a DuVernay film : SELMA
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a city in Alabama that played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. The answer is “Selma,” which is also the title of a 2014 historical drama directed by Ava DuVernay that tells the story of the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965.
11 French wine term : CRU
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a term used in French wine production to designate a particular quality level of grapes or wine. The answer is “cru,” which is derived from the French word “cru,” meaning “raw” or “uncooked.”
12 Muesli grain : OAT
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a type of grain used in the popular Swiss breakfast dish, muesli. The answer is “oat,” which is a cereal grain that is widely cultivated for human consumption and livestock feed.
13 Vane dir. : NNE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a directional indicator found on a weather vane, which is typically used to show the direction of the wind. The answer is “NNE,” which stands for “north-northeast,” one of the 32 points on a compass rose.
17 Mournful : ELEGIAC
Answer: This crossword clue describes something that is characterized by a feeling of sadness or grief. The answer is “elegiac,” which is an adjective derived from the Greek word “elegeia,” meaning “lament.” Elegiac poetry or music often expresses sorrow or mourning for someone who has died.
19 Apt rhyme for “spots” : DOTS
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a word that rhymes with “spots,” which is “dots.” The answer is a simple wordplay that relies on the similarity of the two words.
22 “On the double!” : NOW
Answer: This crossword clue is a common phrase used to urge someone to hurry or act quickly. The answer is “now,” which means at the present time or without delay.
24 PR concern : IMAGE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a common concern of public relations professionals, which is the image or reputation of a company, organization, or individual. The answer is “image,” which can be influenced by various factors, such as media coverage, social media presence, and public perception.
25 Tomato paste tomato : ROMA
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a variety of tomato that is commonly used to make tomato paste and sauces. The answer is “Roma,” which is a type of plum tomato that is known for its firm flesh, low moisture content, and rich flavor.
26 Register : ENROLL
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a common meaning of the word “register,” which is to officially enroll or record someone’s name or information on a list or database. The answer is “enroll,” which means to formally join or sign up for a class, program, or organization.
27 Pacific Rim capital : TOKYO
Answer: This crossword clue refers to the capital city of Japan, which is located on the eastern coast of the island of Honshu and is one of the largest and most populous cities in the world. The answer is “Tokyo,” which is also known for its rich culture, technology, and entertainment.
28 Extraterrestrial : ALIEN
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a common term used to describe beings or objects that originate from outside the Earth or its atmosphere. The answer is “alien,” which can refer to various forms of life, technology, or phenomena that are not of this world.
29 Became edgy : TENSED
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a change in someone’s mood or behavior, specifically becoming nervous, anxious, or irritable. The answer is “tensed,” which means to become tense or tight, either physically or emotionally.
32 Mane areas : NAPES
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a specific area on an animal’s body, specifically the neck region where the mane or hair is located. The answer is “napes,” which can also refer to the back of the neck in humans.
33 Broadway composer Jule : STYNE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a famous composer of Broadway musicals, who is known for his collaborations with lyricists such as Sammy Cahn, Betty Comden, and Adolph Green. The answer is “Styne,” which is the last name of Jule Styne.
35 “__ Misérables” : LES
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a famous novel by Victor Hugo, which has been adapted into various forms of media, including a popular musical and several films. The answer is “Les,” which is the French definite article meaning “the,” and refers to the poor and oppressed characters in the story.
36 Underground resource : ORE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a valuable material or substance that is extracted from the ground, specifically minerals or metals that are used for industrial or commercial purposes. The answer is “ore,” which is a general term that can refer to various types of mineral deposits.
37 Poker-faced : STOIC
Answer: This crossword clue refers to a personality trait or behavior that is characterized by calmness, self-control, and emotional restraint, even in difficult or stressful situations. The answer is “stoic,” which is derived from the philosophy of Stoicism, which teaches that individuals should accept what happens without showing emotion or complaining.
38 Itty-bitty : WEE
Answer: This crossword clue refers to something that is very small or tiny, often used to describe a size or amount that is considered cute or endearing. The answer is “wee,” which is a Scottish word that means small or little.
39 Gridiron position : END
In football, “end” refers to a player who lines up at either end of the offensive or defensive line. The position is divided into two types: split end and tight end.
41 Watered down : DILUTED
To dilute something means to make it less strong or concentrated by adding water or another liquid. For example, if you dilute a drink with water, it becomes less potent.
42 Actress Perlman : RHEA
Rhea Perlman is an American actress who is best known for her role as Carla Tortelli on the television show “Cheers”. She has also appeared in a number of movies and other television shows throughout her career.
47 Sack dress? : PJS
In this clue, “sack” refers to a loose-fitting dress or nightgown that has a shapeless or baggy appearance. “PJs” is a common abbreviation for pajamas, which are often loose and comfortable garments worn for sleeping.
48 “Are we there yet?” guesses : ETAS
In this clue, “ETAs” refers to estimated times of arrival. When traveling, people often ask “Are we there yet?” to find out how much longer they have to wait until they reach their destination.
50 Poison __ : SUMAC
Poison sumac is a plant that can cause an allergic reaction when touched. It is related to poison ivy and poison oak and is found in wetlands and other damp areas.
51 Pricey steak : T-BONE
The T-bone steak is a cut of beef that is taken from the short loin of a cow. It is named for the T-shaped bone that runs through the middle of the cut and separates the larger strip steak from the smaller tenderloin steak. The T-bone is considered a high-quality and often expensive cut of meat.
52 “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” film: YENTL – This is a 1983 film directed, co-written, co-produced, and starring Barbra Streisand, based on the 1975 play “Yentl, the Yeshiva Boy” by Leah Napolin and Isaac Bashevis Singer. It tells the story of a young Jewish woman named Yentl who defies tradition by disguising herself as a man in order to study Talmudic law and become a rabbi.
53 Gold purity unit: KARAT – A karat is a unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of gold alloys. Pure gold is 24 karats, so 18-karat gold, for example, is 75% gold and 25% other metals.
54 Part of a track meet: EVENT – A track meet consists of various events, such as sprints, hurdles, long-distance running, relays, high jump, long jump, triple jump, pole vault, shot put, discus throw, and javelin throw.
57 First word of “Jabberwocky”: ‘TWAS – “Jabberwocky” is a nonsense poem written by Lewis Carroll, the author of “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. The first line of the poem is “‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves / Did gyre and gimble in the wabe”.
58 “Got it!” cries: AHAS – An “aha moment” is a sudden realization or discovery. The exclamation “aha!” is often used to indicate that someone has just had such a moment.
59 “Deadpool” actor Reynolds: RYAN – Ryan Reynolds is a Canadian actor and producer who is best known for his role as the Marvel Comics character Deadpool in the films “Deadpool” and “Deadpool 2”. He has also appeared in a number of other films and TV shows, including “Green Lantern”, “The Proposal”, and “Two Guys and a Girl”.
60 Burst: POP – Pop can refer to a sudden, explosive sound, like a balloon popping or a champagne cork popping.
61 Good Grips kitchen brand: OXO – OXO is a kitchenware brand that produces various products like kitchen tools, utensils, and gadgets designed for comfort, ease of use, and functionality.
62 Tyke: KID – A tyke is a child, especially a young or small one.
63 Fell, as firs: HEW – To hew means to chop or cut something with an ax, making it a good verb to describe the act of cutting down a fir tree.
64 Longoria of “Telenovela”: EVA – Eva Longoria is an American actress, producer, and director known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the TV series “Desperate Housewives” and as Ana Sofia Calderon in the TV series “Telenovela.”
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