Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Thursday May 4th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Produce duds? : SEW
The word “Produce” is a verb that can mean to create or manufacture something, while “duds” is a slang term that means clothes that are worn out or of poor quality. The wordplay in this clue is that “produce” can also mean to sew or make something with a needle and thread, which is how you could create clothing that turns out to be duds.
4 “I’ll show you!” : CAN SO
The phrase “I’ll show you” is often used to express determination to prove something to someone. In this clue, “CAN SO” is a response that could mean “Yes, I can do it” or “Yes, I can prove it to you.” The two phrases are similar in tone, making this a clever play on words.
9 Graphic novel genre : MANGA
“Manga” is a Japanese word that refers to comics or graphic novels. The genre is characterized by distinct visual styles, which often include exaggerated features such as large eyes and spiky hair. Manga is popular around the world and covers a wide range of topics, from romance and action to horror and science fiction.
14 __-locka, Florida : OPA
“Opa-locka” is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. It was named after a Seminole Indian leader named “Opa-tisha-wocka-locka.” The city was designed in the 1920s as an Arabian Nights-themed community, and many of its buildings feature distinctive Moorish architecture.
15 Speak from a lectern : ORATE
“To orate” means to give a formal speech or lecture, often from a podium or lectern. This clue is straightforward, as the answer simply describes the act of speaking from a lectern.
16 In progress, quaintly : AFOOT
The word “afoot” is an old-fashioned term that means “in progress” or “underway.” This clue is a play on words, as the word “quaintly” suggests that the answer is an old-fashioned word. “Afoot” fits the bill perfectly and is a clever example of crossword wordplay.
17 Teaching surface for an ornithologist? : BILL BOARD
This clue is a clever play on words that uses the multiple meanings of “bill” to create a pun. An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds, and birds have bills. A “billboard” is a large sign used for advertising or promoting something, but in this clue, “bill board” refers to a teaching surface for an ornithologist to display information about birds’ bills.
19 Source of some overhead footage: DRONE
In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular as a way to capture aerial footage for photography, videography, surveying, and other purposes. Drones are remote-controlled aircraft that can fly high above the ground and take photos or videos from unique perspectives that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve. They have become an important tool for many industries, including real estate, agriculture, construction, and entertainment.
20 Org. co-founded by Helen Keller: ACLU
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a non-profit organization that works to defend and protect the civil rights and liberties of all people in the United States. It was co-founded by Helen Keller in 1920, along with a group of other activists and lawyers. The ACLU is known for its work in areas such as free speech, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive freedom, and more.
21 __-ball pens: UNI
Uni-ball pens are a type of writing instrument that uses a special ink formula to provide smooth, consistent writing. They are made by the Japanese company Mitsubishi Pencil Co., Ltd. (which is often shortened to “Uni”), and they come in a variety of styles and colors. Uni-ball pens are popular among students, artists, and professionals for their reliability and quality.
22 Creamsicle flavor: ORANGE
A Creamsicle is a type of frozen dessert that typically consists of a vanilla ice cream center covered in a layer of flavored ice, usually orange. The name “Creamsicle” is a trademark of the Popsicle Company, which first introduced the treat in the 1920s. Creamsicles are a popular summertime snack and are often sold from ice cream trucks and in grocery stores.
23 Writer Anaïs: NIN
Anaïs Nin was a French-American writer known for her literary works that explored themes such as sexuality, gender, and identity. She was born in 1903 in France and moved to the United States as a young woman. Nin wrote novels, essays, and short stories, and she is perhaps best known for her diaries, which spanned several decades and were published after her death in 1977.
25 Challenging words: DARE ME
“Dare me” is a phrase that can be used to issue a challenge or to express a willingness to take risks. It can be interpreted as a statement of confidence or bravado, as in “I dare you to try and beat me,” or as a statement of defiance, as in “I don’t care what anyone thinks, I’m going to do it anyway.”
27 Lecture given by an arachnologist?: WEB ADDRESS
A web address is a unique identifier that is used to locate a website on the internet. The term “web address” is a play on words that references the fact that spiders (which are a type of arachnid) are known for building webs. So, a lecture given by an arachnologist about web addresses would be a clever pun that combines two seemingly unrelated topics.
31 Not hard : EASY
This clue is a classic example of a crossword puzzle clue that uses wordplay to lead to the answer. “Not hard” can be taken literally to mean something that is not difficult, which is the definition of “easy”.
34 Obsess over : ADORE
The clue “obsess over” suggests a deep and intense feeling towards something, which can be described as “adoration”. To “adore” something means to love and admire it deeply.
35 Spanish “these” : ESTOS
This clue requires a bit of knowledge of the Spanish language. “These” in Spanish is “estos”. The clue gives the word in Spanish and asks for the translation in English.
37 “That’s all __ wrote” : SHE
This phrase is a common expression that means that there is nothing more to say or do. It is often used at the end of a letter or message to indicate that the writer has finished writing. The missing word is “she”, which is the pronoun used in the original phrase. The origin of the phrase is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the military during World War II.
38 Private aid gp. : NGO
This clue requires knowledge of acronyms. “Private aid gp.” stands for “non-governmental organization” (NGO), which is a type of non-profit organization that operates independently of government control. NGOs are often involved in humanitarian and social causes.
39 “Is that it?” : AND
This clue is an example of a double entendre. “Is that it?” can be taken literally to mean “is that all there is?”, which would suggest that the answer is “no”. However, in this case, the missing word is “and”, which is a conjunction that is often used to connect words or phrases. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “and”, which can be interpreted as an affirmative response to the question.
41 GOP org. : RNC
This clue is a bit of an abbreviation puzzle. “GOP” stands for “Grand Old Party,” which is a nickname for the Republican Party. “Org.” is short for “organization,” so the answer to the clue is “RNC,” which stands for “Republican National Committee.” The RNC is the organization that is responsible for promoting the Republican Party and supporting its candidates.
42 Relations : KIN
This clue is a simple one. “Relations” refers to people who are related to each other, such as family members. Another word for family members is “kin.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “kin.”
43 AOC’s political party : DEM
This clue is a reference to a well-known political figure in the United States. AOC refers to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Democratic Party, which is often abbreviated as “DEM” in political contexts. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “DEM.”
44 Spa feature : SAUNA
This clue requires some knowledge of spas and wellness centers. A “spa” is a place where people can go to relax and receive various treatments, such as massages or facials. One common feature of a spa is a “sauna,” which is a room that is heated to high temperatures to promote relaxation and sweating. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “sauna.”
46 Proxy : AGENT
This clue is a bit of a word association puzzle. A “proxy” is someone who is authorized to act on behalf of another person. Another word for someone who acts on behalf of another person is an “agent.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “agent.”
48 Sidewalk stand drinks : ADES
This clue requires a bit of outside knowledge. A “sidewalk stand” is a small outdoor stand that sells food or drinks. One type of drink that is commonly sold at sidewalk stands is a “lemonade” or other fruit-flavored drink, which are often called “ades.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “ades.”
50 Demonstration given by a herpetologist? : SCALE MODEL
This clue is a bit of a play on words. A “herpetologist” is a scientist who studies reptiles and amphibians, which are animals that have scales. A “demonstration” is a display or explanation of how something works. Therefore, a “demonstration given by a herpetologist” could be a “scale model,” which is a small, detailed model of an object that shows how it works or is put together. The answer to the clue is “scale model.”
52 Roof support beam : RAFTER
This clue is a bit of a construction puzzle. The “roof” of a building is supported by beams or other structural elements. One type of roof support beam is a “rafter,” which is a long, angled beam that supports the roof and helps to distribute its weight evenly. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “rafter.”
54 PD dispatch : APB
This clue requires some knowledge of police jargon. “PD” stands for “police department.” “Dispatch” refers to the act of sending out police officers to respond to a call or incident. An “APB” is an “all-points bulletin,” which is a broadcast message that is sent out to all police officers in a certain area to alert them to a particular situation or suspect. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “APB.”
55 “It’d be my pleasure!” : GLADLY
This clue is a bit of a language puzzle. “It’d be my pleasure” is a polite and friendly way of saying that you are happy to do something for someone. Another word that means the same thing is “gladly.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “gladly.”
57 Sign of puppy love? : WAG
This clue is a bit of a play on words. “Puppy love” is a term used to describe the infatuation that young people sometimes feel for each other. A “wag” is the movement of a dog’s tail, which is often a sign of excitement or happiness. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “wag,” which is a sign of a dog’s happiness and could also be a sign of someone experiencing puppy love.
59 Fresh : ANEW
This clue is a simple one. “Fresh” can mean new, recently made, or different from what has been seen before. Another word that means the same thing is “anew.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “anew.”
63 Repetitive musical piece : RONDO
This clue requires some knowledge of music theory. A “rondo” is a type of musical composition that features a recurring main theme or melody, which is repeated throughout the piece. The theme is typically interspersed with other musical material, but it always returns to the main theme. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “rondo.”
64 Classroom icebreaker for a marine biologist? : SHELL GAME
This clue is a bit of a play on words. An “icebreaker” is an activity that is used to help people get to know each other in a group setting. A “marine biologist” is a scientist who studies marine organisms, such as shellfish. A “shell game” is a game of chance that involves hiding a small object, such as a pea, under one of three shells or cups and then shuffling them around. The person playing the game must guess which shell the object is under. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “shell game,” which is a type of game that a marine biologist might use as an icebreaker in the classroom.
66 __-Saxon : ANGLO
This clue refers to a group of people who lived in England from the 5th century until the Norman Conquest in the 11th century. They were called the “Anglo-Saxons” because they were made up of two main groups: the Angles and the Saxons. They spoke a language that is now called “Old English,” which is the earliest form of the English language. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “Anglo.”
67 Edited, with “down” : PARED
This clue is a bit of a word puzzle. “Edited” means to make changes or corrections to a piece of writing. “Pared down” means to reduce something, such as a list or a budget, to its essential elements. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “pared,” which means to edit or reduce something down to its most important parts.
68 Female sib : SIS
This clue is a simple one. “Sib” is a shortened form of “sibling,” which means a brother or sister. “Sis” is a shortened form of “sister,” which means a female sibling. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “sis.”
69 Scrooge, at first : MISER
This clue requires some knowledge of literature. “Scrooge” is a character from the novel “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. At the beginning of the story, Scrooge is a wealthy but selfish and stingy businessman who cares only about making money. Another word for someone who is extremely stingy or miserly is a “miser.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “miser.”
70 Dental visit freebie : FLOSS
This clue is a bit of a health puzzle. “Dental visit” refers to a check-up or cleaning with a dentist. A “freebie” is something that is given away for free. One item that a dentist may give to a patient during a visit is dental floss, which is a thin, string-like material used to clean between teeth. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “floss.”
71 Sculpture, e.g. : ART
This clue is a simple one. “Sculpture” is a type of artwork that involves creating three-dimensional forms out of various materials, such as stone, wood, metal, or clay. Another word for artwork is “art.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “art.”
DOWN
1 Buckwheat noodles often served chilled : SOBA
This clue refers to a type of noodle commonly used in Japanese cuisine. “Soba” is made from buckwheat flour and has a nutty flavor. It is often served chilled with a dipping sauce, or in a hot broth as a soup. It can also be served stir-fried with vegetables and meat. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “soba.”
2 Mind-blowing : EPIC
This clue is a bit of a word puzzle. “Mind-blowing” means something that is extremely impressive, overwhelming, or astonishing. “Epic” is a word that can mean something that is grand, heroic, or monumental. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “epic.”
3 Safe spot : WALL
This clue requires a bit of interpretation. A “safe spot” could refer to a place that is protected or secure from danger. A “wall” is a structure that can provide protection or security. Walls can be built around a city or property to keep out intruders, or they can be used to create a safe space within a building, such as a panic room. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “wall.”
4 Ear piece? : COB
This clue is a bit of a pun. “Ear piece” could refer to a device that is worn in the ear to listen to music or make phone calls. “Cob” is short for “corn on the cob,” which is a vegetable that looks like an ear. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “cob.”
5 Circa : AROUND
This clue is a bit of a word puzzle. “Circa” is a Latin word that means “around” or “approximately.” It is often used to indicate a date or time period that is not exact. “Around” can also mean approximately or nearly. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “around.”
6 Flatbread served with saag paneer : NAAN
This clue refers to a type of bread commonly used in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. “Naan” is a flatbread made from wheat flour that is cooked in a tandoor, which is a clay oven. It is often served with saag paneer, which is a vegetarian dish made from spinach and cheese. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “naan.”
7 Takes steps : STRIDES
This clue requires some interpretation. “Takes steps” could mean someone is making progress or moving forward with a plan or goal. “Strides” is a word that can mean walking with long, confident steps. It can also mean making progress or advancing quickly. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “strides.”
8 Ref. work whose “Concise” version has more than 1,700 pages : OED
This clue refers to a reference work called the “Oxford English Dictionary.” The OED is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language that contains definitions, usage notes, etymologies, and examples of how words have been used throughout history. The “Concise” version of the OED is a shorter, abridged version of the full dictionary. Despite being called “Concise,” it still has over 1,700 pages, making it a substantial reference work. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “OED.”
9 Niña’s mother : MADRE
This clue is a bit of a language puzzle. “Niña” is a Spanish word that means “girl.” “Madre” is a Spanish word that means “mother.” Therefore, the answer to the clue is “madre.”
10 Angular abode : A-FRAME
This clue refers to a type of house or cabin that has a distinctive triangular shape. The roof of an A-frame house slopes down steeply on either side, resembling the letter “A” when viewed from the front or back. This type of house is often used as a vacation home or a small cabin in a rural or mountainous area. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “A-frame.”
11 “We don’t care what you think!” : NO ONE ASKED
This clue is a bit of a sarcastic phrase. “We don’t care what you think” is a dismissive statement that implies the speaker is not interested in hearing someone’s opinion. “No one asked” is a similarly dismissive response that suggests the speaker did not solicit the person’s input in the first place. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “no one asked.”
12 Big bell : GONG
This clue refers to a percussion instrument that produces a loud, resonant sound when struck. A gong is a circular metal disc that is suspended from a frame and is often used in orchestral music, as well as in traditional music from Asia and other parts of the world. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “gong.”
13 Suit to __ : A TEE
This clue is a bit of a word puzzle. “Suit to __” is a phrase that means something fits perfectly or is exactly right. “A tee” is an expression that means exactly, precisely, or perfectly. It may have originated from the game of golf, where a ball that is hit “to a tee” is hit perfectly. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “a tee.”
18 Like the Igbo calendar : LUNAR
This clue is referring to the Igbo people, an ethnic group from Nigeria. The Igbo calendar is a lunar calendar, which means that it is based on the cycles of the moon. A lunar calendar is different from a solar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the sun. The lunar calendar is used by many cultures around the world, and it is particularly important for determining religious observances and festivals. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “lunar.”
22 Director Welles : ORSON
This clue is referring to Orson Welles, a famous American actor, director, and writer who was active in the mid-20th century. Welles is best known for his work in film, particularly his masterpiece “Citizen Kane,” which is widely regarded as one of the greatest movies ever made. Welles was also a prolific radio broadcaster and stage actor, and he made many contributions to the world of theater and literature. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “Orson.”
24 Brainstorms : IDEAS
This clue is referring to the process of generating creative ideas or solutions to a problem. A brainstorm is a group or individual activity that involves coming up with as many ideas as possible in a short period of time. Brainstorming is often used in business, education, and other contexts where creative thinking is necessary. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “ideas.”
26 __ projection : ASTRAL
This clue is referring to a type of projection that is related to the spiritual or metaphysical realm. An astral projection is a phenomenon where a person’s consciousness is said to leave their physical body and travel to other dimensions or planes of existence. Astral projection is often associated with spiritual practices and beliefs, and it is sometimes used as a tool for personal growth or self-discovery. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “astral.”
27 Sykes of “The Upshaws” : WANDA
This clue is referring to Wanda Sykes, a famous American comedian and actress. Sykes is known for her stand-up comedy performances, as well as her work in film and television. She has appeared in many popular movies and TV shows, including “The Upshaws,” which is a sitcom about a working-class African American family. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “Wanda.”
28 Trimmed, in a way : EDGED
This clue is referring to a method of cutting or trimming something so that it has a straight or defined edge. Edging can refer to a variety of different cutting techniques, depending on the context. For example, in gardening, edging refers to trimming the edges of a lawn or garden bed to give it a neat appearance. In woodworking, edging refers to trimming the edges of a piece of wood to make it square or smooth. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “edged.”
29 Australian hunting tools : BOOMERANGS
This clue is referring to a type of hunting tool that is traditionally used by Indigenous Australians. A boomerang is a curved throwing stick that is designed to return to the thrower after it is thrown. Boomerangs were originally used for hunting and gathering food, but they are now more commonly used for sport and entertainment. Boomerangs come in many different shapes and sizes, and they can be made from a variety of different materials, including wood, plastic, and even metal. Therefore, the answer to the clue is “boomerangs.”
30 Cut back : REDUCE
This clue refers to the action of reducing something, or making it smaller in size or amount. This can be applied to a wide variety of things, from reducing one’s expenses to reducing the size of a piece of fruit.
32 Perform well : SHINE
This clue refers to the act of performing exceptionally well, or “shining” in a particular activity or task. This could apply to anything from a student shining in their academics to an athlete shining on the field.
33 Streisand directorial debut : YENTL
This clue refers to the movie “Yentl,” which was Barbra Streisand’s directorial debut. The movie tells the story of a young Jewish woman who disguises herself as a man in order to receive an education, and was released in 1983.
36 Mischief maker : SCAMP
This clue refers to a person, typically a child, who is mischievous and playful in a harmless way. A scamp might be someone who enjoys pulling harmless pranks or jokes on others, but does not have malicious intent.
40 Mean-spirited : NASTY
This clue refers to someone who is unpleasant, unkind, or malicious in their behavior. A person who is described as “nasty” might say hurtful things to others, or intentionally try to make them feel bad.
45 Tusked Arctic swimmer : NARWHAL
This clue refers to a type of Arctic whale that is known for its long, spiraled tusk that protrudes from its head. Narwhals are skilled swimmers and are often found in the icy waters around Canada, Greenland, and Russia.
47 Portable emergency kit : GO-BAG
This clue refers to a bag or kit that is prepared in advance with essential items that one might need in an emergency situation, such as a natural disaster or evacuation. A go-bag might include items like food, water, a first aid kit, a flashlight, and important documents.
49 Jockey’s seat : SADDLE
This clue refers to the seat that a jockey uses while riding a horse in a race. The saddle is designed to provide the jockey with stability and control while riding at high speeds.
51 Philadelphia team : EAGLES
This clue refers to the Philadelphia Eagles, a professional football team that is part of the National Football League (NFL). The Eagles have been playing since 1933 and have won three NFL championships and one Super Bowl championship.
53 Trapdoor locale : FLOOR
This clue refers to the location of a trapdoor, which is often installed in a floor for access to a basement, crawl space, or other underground area. Trapdoors can also be used as a theatrical device, allowing actors or props to appear or disappear from the stage.
55 Mono- and sono- follower : -GRAM
This clue refers to a common suffix that can be added to the end of words to indicate a type of recording or measurement. For example, a monogram is a single letter or design that is embroidered or printed on an item, while a sonogram is an image created using ultrasound technology.
56 Love of “The Real” : LONI
This clue refers to Loni Love, a comedian and actress who is best known for her role on the talk show “The Real.” Love has also appeared in a number of other TV shows and movies, including “Chelsea Lately” and “Soul Plane.”
58 Nestlé bar with a bubbly texture : AERO
This clue refers to a type of chocolate bar that is made by Nestlé and has a unique bubbly texture. The bubbles in the chocolate are created by adding air during the manufacturing process, giving the chocolate a light and airy texture.
60 Hubble org. : NASA
This clue refers to the organization that is responsible for the Hubble Space Telescope, which has been used to study the universe since its launch in 1990. NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is also responsible for a wide range of other space exploration and research activities.
61 Gulf States dignitary : EMIR
An Emir is a high-ranking Muslim ruler or leader, typically of a small Muslim state, especially one of the Arabian Peninsula. The term “emir” is also used in other contexts, such as in the military, where it refers to a commander or leader of a military unit. In the context of the crossword clue, “Gulf States dignitary” likely refers to an Emir from one of the countries of the Arabian Gulf, such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates.
62 Basketball legend Jerry : WEST
Jerry West is a former American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974 and was named an All-Star every year of his career. West was known for his scoring ability, tenacious defense, and clutch performances in big games. After his playing career, he went on to become a coach and then an executive for several NBA teams, including the Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies.
64 Letters on a sunscreen bottle : SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is a measure of how effectively a sunscreen product will protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. The higher the SPF number, the greater the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB radiation, which is the primary cause of sunburn and skin damage. For example, an SPF 30 sunscreen will block about 97% of UVB radiation, while an SPF 50 sunscreen will block about 98% of UVB radiation.
65 Mormon letters : LDS
LDS stands for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is a Christian denomination that originated in the United States in the 19th century. Members of the church are often referred to as “Mormons,” a nickname that comes from the Book of Mormon, one of the religious texts of the church. The LDS church is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has a worldwide membership of over 16 million people. The church is known for its missionary work, emphasis on family values, and distinctive beliefs and practices, such as baptism for the dead and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine.
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