Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Friday May 5th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Comment accompanying a dismissive hand wave : OH THAT
The answer to this crossword clue is “OH THAT.” This phrase is often used to express a dismissive or unimpressed attitude towards something. It’s commonly used when someone wants to convey that something is not worth their time or attention, or that they don’t think highly of it. For example, if someone showed you a piece of art that you didn’t like, you might say “Oh, that’s nice,” while waving your hand dismissively.
7 Tucked in : ABED
The answer to this crossword clue is “ABED.” This phrase means to be in bed, often with the connotation of being asleep. It’s commonly used in phrases like “get abed” or “go abed,” which mean to go to bed and get some sleep. For example, if someone says “I’m going to get abed early tonight,” it means they’re planning on going to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep.
11 Hotel hallway sign : ICE
The answer to this crossword clue is “ICE.” This refers to the sign that often appears in hotel hallways indicating the location of the ice machine. Guests can use this sign to find the ice machine and fill up their ice buckets.
14 Automaker with a six-star logo : SUBARU
The answer to this crossword clue is “SUBARU.” This Japanese automaker is known for its distinctive six-star logo, which represents the Pleiades star cluster. The name “Subaru” is also the Japanese word for the Pleiades.
15 Serving aid : TRAY
The answer to this crossword clue is “TRAY.” This refers to a flat, rectangular piece of plastic, metal, or wood that is used to carry food and drinks. It’s commonly used in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service settings.
16 Not talking : MUM
The answer to this crossword clue is “MUM.” This is a word that means not speaking or being silent. It’s often used to describe someone who is intentionally withholding information or keeping something secret. For example, if someone asks you a question that you don’t want to answer, you might stay “I’m going to be mum on that” to indicate that you’re not going to reveal anything.
The word “mum” has its origins in the Old English word “mūm,” which meant “silent” or “speechless.” It’s also related to the Latin word “mutus,” which means “mute” or “silent.”
In some contexts, the word “mum” can also be used to describe something that is kept quiet or secret. For example, if a company is working on a new product but hasn’t announced it yet, you might say that they’re keeping it “under mum” until they’re ready to reveal it.
Overall, the word “mum” is a versatile term that can be used to describe a range of situations where silence or secrecy is desired or required.
17 *Game delay prevented by a chess clock? : ENDLESS MOVE
The answer to this crossword clue is “ENDLESS MOVE.” This is a play on words, as the phrase can be interpreted in two ways. On one hand, it could refer to a chess move that seems to go on forever, which could be prevented by a chess clock. On the other hand, it could also refer to a delay or interruption in a game that seems to drag on endlessly, which could also be prevented by a chess clock.
19 WNBA player, e.g. : PRO
This clue is referring to the fact that a WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) player is a professional athlete, hence the answer “PRO”. The WNBA is a professional basketball league for women in North America, and players are paid for their participation.
20 Message near a candy bowl : TAKE ONE
This clue is likely referring to the small signs or notes that are often placed next to a bowl of candy or other treats, indicating that it’s okay for people to take just one. The answer, “TAKE ONE”, is a common phrase used on these signs to encourage people to only take a single piece of candy.
21 Campus group : FRAT
This clue is referring to a type of social organization commonly found on college and university campuses, known as a “fraternity” or “frat” for short. These groups are typically made up of male students who share common interests and socialize together.
22 Cartoon supplier of giant anvils : ACME
This clue is referencing the fictional company “ACME” that appears in many cartoons, including Looney Tunes. In these cartoons, the ACME company supplies a variety of wacky and often-dangerous products to characters such as Wile E. Coyote, who often uses them in his attempts to catch the Road Runner.
25 Pac-12 school in L.A. : USC
This clue is referring to the University of Southern California (USC), which is a member of the Pac-12 athletic conference and located in Los Angeles. USC is a private research university with a strong reputation in a variety of academic fields, as well as in sports such as football and basketball.
26 Dull repetition : ROTE
This clue is describing a type of learning or memorization that involves simply repeating information over and over again, without necessarily understanding the meaning behind it. The answer, “ROTE”, is often used to describe this type of mechanical, unthinking repetition.
27 *”Has anyone found our pigeon?” : WHERE IS THE DOVE
This clue is likely part of a larger crossword puzzle where the answer is a phrase or question that fits a certain theme. In this case, the theme appears to be animal-related phrases or questions, as the answer to this clue is “WHERE IS THE DOVE”, which is a question about the location of a particular bird.
32 Aveeno grain : OAT
Aveeno is a brand of skincare products that often feature oats as an ingredient. Oats are a type of grain that are commonly used in breakfast cereals, baking, and other food products. Oats are also known for their health benefits, as they are high in fiber and protein, and can help to lower cholesterol levels.
33 IPO launchers : COS
IPO stands for Initial Public Offering, which is when a private company offers shares of its stock to the public for the first time. COS is short for “companies”, and in this context, it refers to the private companies that are launching an IPO.
34 Norse god of war : ODIN
Odin is one of the major gods in Norse mythology. He is known as the god of war, wisdom, poetry, and magic. Odin is often depicted as a one-eyed man with a long beard and a staff, and he is sometimes accompanied by his two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who fly around the world and bring him information.
35 European capital : LISBON
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal, which is a country located in southwestern Europe. Lisbon is known for its historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Some of the top attractions in Lisbon include the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Alfama neighborhood.
37 Pet collar attachments : ID TAGS
ID tags are small metal or plastic tags that are attached to a pet’s collar. They typically contain the pet’s name, as well as the owner’s contact information, such as their phone number or address. ID tags are important for helping lost pets to be reunited with their owners.
41 Boxers Laila and Muhammad : ALIS
Laila Ali and Muhammad Ali are both famous boxers who have had successful careers in the sport. Laila is the daughter of Muhammad Ali, and she followed in her father’s footsteps by becoming a professional boxer. Muhammad Ali is widely considered to be one of the greatest boxers of all time, and he was known for his quick wit, outspoken personality, and impressive boxing skills.
43 Robot attachment? : -ICS
The suffix “-ics” can be used to refer to the study or application of a particular subject. In the context of robots, “-ics” might refer to fields such as robotics, mechatronics, or cybernetics. It could also be used to describe specific components or attachments of a robot, such as hydraulics or electronics.
44 With it : HIP
The term “with it” is slang for being cool, fashionable, or up-to-date with the latest trends. In this context, “hip” is used as a synonym for “with it.”
45 *Completely hooked on swearing by a Roman god? : ADDICTED TO JOVE
This crossword clue is a play on words that combines two different phrases: “addicted to” and “swearing by Jove.” “Addicted to” suggests being completely hooked on or unable to stop doing something, while “swearing by Jove” refers to making a solemn or emphatic oath. Jove is another name for the Roman god Jupiter, who was considered the king of the gods in Roman mythology.
49 Out of the wind : ALEE
When a boat is “out of the wind,” it is in a sheltered position where the wind is not blowing directly onto it. This is important for sailing, as it allows the boat to move more smoothly and avoid being knocked off course by strong gusts of wind. “Alee” is a nautical term that refers to the leeward side of the boat, which is the side that is sheltered from the wind.
50 Celery stalk : RIB
A celery stalk is a long, thin piece of the celery plant that is commonly used in cooking and as a garnish. The term “rib” is used here to refer to the long, narrow shape of the celery stalk, which is similar to the shape of a rib bone.
51 Scrutinized : EYED
To “eye” something is to look at it closely or scrutinize it. The past tense of “eye” is “eyed,” which is used in this crossword clue to suggest that something has been closely examined or scrutinized.
52 Face off in the ring : SPAR
In boxing and other combat sports, to “spar” is to practice fighting techniques with a partner in a controlled setting. The term “face off” suggests a confrontation or competition, which is appropriate for the context of boxing. Therefore, “face off in the ring” is a clue for “spar.”
53 Single, for one : BASE HIT
In baseball, a “base hit” is a term used to describe when a batter hits the ball and safely reaches first base without any errors from the fielding team. A “single” is a specific type of base hit where the batter reaches first base. Therefore, “single, for one” is a clue for “base hit.”
56 Cantina condiment : SAL
In Mexican cuisine, “sal” is the Spanish word for “salt,” which is often used as a condiment to add flavor to dishes. In the context of a cantina, “sal” could refer to a salt shaker or container of salt used to season food or margaritas.
57 1981 Top 10 hit for Soft Cell, and a feature of the answers to the starred clues? : TAINTED LOVE
This clue refers to the song “Tainted Love,” which was originally written and recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, but later became a hit for Soft Cell in 1981. The clue also suggests that the phrase “tainted love” is a feature of the answers to the starred clues. This is a type of crossword puzzle theme, where certain words or phrases appear in multiple answers and are related to a central concept or idea.
61 Versatile blackjack card : ACE
In the card game blackjack, an “ace” can be used as either a high or low card, depending on the player’s hand and the rules of the game. This versatility makes it a valuable card to have in one’s hand, as it can be used to improve the player’s hand in a variety of ways.
62 Carrie-__ Moss of “Jessica Jones” : ANNE
This clue is asking for the first name of the Canadian actress who played the character Jeri Hogarth in the Marvel TV series “Jessica Jones.” Her name is Carrie-Anne Moss, and she has also appeared in other popular movies and TV shows such as “The Matrix” trilogy, “Memento,” and “Disturbia.”
63 Brought up : REARED
To “rear” someone or something is to bring them up, educate them, or take care of them. In the context of child-rearing, it often refers to raising a child from infancy to adulthood, providing them with food, shelter, education, and guidance.
64 Scratch, e.g. : MAR
To “mar” something is to damage or spoil its surface, often by scratching it or leaving a mark. The term can also refer to other forms of damage, such as dents, chips, or scuffs.
65 Space race initials : USSR
During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a competition to develop space technology and explore outer space. The USSR, or Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, was the official name of the Soviet Union, which was a federation of socialist republics that included Russia and several other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
66 Produces, as an heir : BEGETS
To “beget” means to father a child or produce an offspring, usually in a biological sense. The term is often used in a more general sense to mean “to produce” or “to bring about,” as in the context of producing an idea, a work of art, or a new invention. In the context of the clue, it specifically refers to the process of a parent producing a biological heir.
DOWN
1 Sugar suffix : -OSE
The suffix “-ose” is commonly used in chemistry to refer to a sugar or a carbohydrate. Many common sugars, such as glucose, fructose, and lactose, end in this suffix. It can also be used in other scientific contexts to refer to compounds that have a similar structure to sugars.
2 Enemy in “Mulan” : HUN
In the Disney animated movie “Mulan,” the Huns are depicted as the main antagonists, led by the villainous Shan Yu. The Huns were a nomadic people from Central Asia who invaded Europe and Asia during the 4th and 5th centuries.
3 Agenda placeholder : TBD
“TBD” stands for “to be determined” or “to be decided,” and is often used as a placeholder in a schedule or agenda when the specific details of an event or task have not yet been finalized or confirmed.
4 Bikini top option : HALTER
A “halter” top is a style of women’s swimwear that fastens behind the neck, rather than over the shoulders or around the back. It is named after the halter-style harness used to lead horses or other animals.
5 Field of study : AREA
In the context of a crossword puzzle, “area” is a term that can refer to a general field of study or knowledge, such as “the area of physics” or “the area of literature.” It can also refer to a specific subject or topic within a larger field of study.
6 Mastodon feature : TUSK
A “tusk” is a long, curved tooth that grows out of the mouth of certain animals, such as elephants, walruses, and mastodons. In the case of mastodons, which were prehistoric mammals that lived during the Pleistocene era, their tusks were used for defense, foraging, and other tasks.
7 Max : AT MOST
The phrase “at most” is often used to indicate a maximum limit or boundary for a quantity or measurement. For example, if someone says “you can have three cookies at most,” it means that three is the maximum number of cookies allowed, and any number less than three is also acceptable. The term “max” is short for “maximum,” which has a similar meaning.
8 Prefix with dilator or scope : BRONCHO-
The prefix “broncho-” is derived from the Greek word “bronkhos,” which means “windpipe” or “throat.” It is commonly used in medical terminology to refer to structures or conditions related to the bronchi, which are the large air passages that branch off from the trachea and lead to the lungs. Examples of medical terms that use this prefix include bronchoscopy (a procedure for examining the inside of the bronchi with a scope) and bronchodilator (a medication that widens the bronchi to improve breathing).
9 Gutter spot : EAVE
The “eaves” of a roof are the edges that overhang the walls of a building, creating a sheltered area beneath the roofline. The “gutters” of a roof are the channels that run along the eaves to collect and channel rainwater away from the building. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the clue “gutter spot” may be used to refer to the area beneath the eaves where the gutters are located.
10 Turn red, say : DYE
The verb “dye” can mean to color or stain something, often by immersing it in a solution of pigments or other coloring agents. When used in the context of a crossword puzzle clue, the phrase “turn red, say” suggests that the answer should be a verb that describes a change in color, with “dye” being a likely option for something that changes color through the application of a pigment or dye.
11 “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” technique : IMPROV
“Improv” is short for “improvisation,” which is a form of theater or performance in which the actors or performers create or invent their dialogue, actions, and characters on the spot, without a script or pre-planned material. It is often associated with comedy and spontaneity, and is a common technique used in shows like “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” in which performers are given prompts or situations to act out in real-time.
12 Parish figure : CURATE
In some Christian denominations, a “curate” is a clergy member who assists a priest or minister with various pastoral duties, such as conducting services, visiting the sick and elderly, and providing spiritual guidance to members of the congregation. The term is often used in the context of the Anglican Church, but can also be found in other denominations.
13 Put on quite an act : EMOTE
To “emote” is to express emotions or feelings through one’s behavior, facial expressions, or tone of voice. In the context of a crossword puzzle clue, the phrase “put on quite an act” suggests that the answer should be a verb that describes the act of performing or expressing oneself in an exaggerated or theatrical way, with “emote” being a likely option.
18 Whoville creator : SEUSS
“Whoville” is a fictional town that appears in several of the books written by Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Geisel. Geisel was a prolific author and illustrator of children’s books, known for his whimsical and imaginative stories, characters, and illustrations. Some of his most famous works include “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham,” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
21 “Down in __!” : FRONT
The phrase “down in front!” is often used in theaters or other venues to ask people who are blocking the view of others to move to a lower seat or position. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the clue “down in __!” suggests that the answer should be a word or phrase that completes the sentence, with “front” being a likely option.
22 AFB truant : AWOL
In military terminology, “AWOL” stands for “absent without leave,” and is used to describe a service member who is not present at their assigned location or duty station without proper authorization or permission. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the clue “AFB truant” suggests that the answer should be a term or abbreviation that relates to the military or a specific branch of the armed forces, with “AWOL” being a likely option.
23 __ latte : CHAI
“Chai” is a type of tea that originated in India and is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and cloves, along with milk and sugar. It is a popular beverage in many parts of the world, and is often served in coffee shops or cafes as a “chai latte,” which is a version of the tea made with steamed milk.
24 Team whose first manager was Casey Stengel : METS
The “Mets” are a Major League Baseball team based in New York City. They were founded in 1962 as an expansion team, and their first manager was Casey Stengel, who had previously managed the New York Yankees to several championships in the 1950s. Stengel is often credited with helping to establish the Mets as a viable franchise, despite their early struggles on the field.
28 Gut bacteria : E COLI
Escherichia coli, commonly known as “E. coli,” is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals. While some strains of E. coli are harmless, others can cause serious illnesses such as food poisoning or urinary tract infections. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the clue “gut bacteria” suggests that the answer should be a term or phrase that refers to the microorganisms that live in the digestive tract, with “E. coli” being a likely option.
29 Column style : IONIC
The Ionic order is one of the three classical orders of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, along with the Doric and Corinthian orders. It is characterized by its tall and slender columns, which have a distinctive fluted design and are topped with a decorative capital featuring a pair of volutes, or spiral scrolls. The Ionic order was used extensively in ancient Greek and Roman temples, as well as in later periods of architecture.
30 Official order : EDICT
An “edict” is a formal proclamation or command issued by a person in authority, such as a king, emperor, or other government official. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the clue “official order” suggests that the answer should be a noun that describes a directive or command issued by someone in a position of power
31 Sassy retort : DID SO
This crossword clue refers to a sassy or cheeky response one might give in a conversation, often in defiance or contradiction of something said previously. The answer to this clue is “DID SO,” which is a common phrase used to indicate that the speaker has indeed done what was being questioned or denied.
36 The “B” of RBG : BADER
This crossword clue is a reference to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a prominent American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1993 until her death in 2020. The “B” in “RBG” stands for Bader, and the answer to this clue is her last name.
38 Cry to a matey : AHOY
This crossword clue refers to a nautical term used as a greeting or call to attract attention, especially to a fellow sailor or someone on another vessel. The answer to this clue is “AHOY,” which is a traditional maritime greeting similar to “hello” or “hey there.”
39 Buckle : GIVE
This crossword clue is a verb that means to collapse or yield under pressure, stress, or strain. The answer to this clue is “GIVE,” which can be used to describe a physical object that has bent or broken, or a person who has reached their limit and cannot continue.
40 Went 60 in a 50, say : SPED
This crossword clue refers to a common traffic violation where a driver exceeds the posted speed limit. The answer to this clue is “SPED,” which is the past tense of the verb “speed” and indicates that the driver in question was driving too fast.
42 Pushes to the limit : STRAINS
This crossword clue refers to the act of exerting oneself to the maximum extent possible, often in pursuit of a goal or objective. The answer to this clue is “STRAINS,” which is a verb that can describe physical effort, emotional stress, or mental strain. It can also be used to describe the pressure or tension that something is subjected to.
43 “Sounds about right” : I’D BET
This crossword clue refers to a phrase used to express agreement or acknowledgement of a statement or proposition. The answer to this clue is “I’D BET,” which is a casual way of saying “I would guess” or “I think that’s likely.” It can also be used to express confidence or certainty about something.
45 Llamalike mammal: ALPACA
An ALPACA is a domesticated South American mammal that resembles a small llama and is valued for its soft wool. It is commonly bred for its fiber, which is used to make clothing and other textiles. Alpacas are often kept as pets and for their wool, and they are known for their gentle nature and curious personalities.
46 Card holder?: DEALER
The term DEALER refers to a person who deals cards in a game of poker or other card games. In this crossword clue, “card holder” is a play on words, suggesting that the answer might be a person who holds cards, when in fact it is someone who deals them.
47 Former CEO profiled in the book “DisneyWar”: EISNER
Michael EISNER is a former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, a multinational entertainment conglomerate. Eisner served as CEO from 1984 to 2005 and oversaw a period of significant growth and expansion for the company. The book “DisneyWar” by James B. Stewart is a detailed account of Eisner’s tenure as CEO and the various conflicts and controversies that occurred during that time.
48 Flight risk?: JET LAG
JET LAG is a condition that can occur after traveling across time zones on a long flight. It is caused by a disruption to the body’s internal clock, which can result in feelings of fatigue, disorientation, and other symptoms. In this crossword clue, “flight risk” is a play on words, suggesting that the answer might be something related to the risk of flying, when in fact it is a condition that can occur after a flight.
49 Black tea variety: ASSAM
ASSAM is a type of black tea that is grown in the Assam region of India. It is known for its strong, malty flavor and is often used in blends such as English Breakfast tea. Assam tea is also used in some traditional Indian chai blends.
53 Prohibitions: BANS
BANS are prohibitions or restrictions on certain actions or behaviors. They can be imposed by governments, organizations, or other authorities, and can apply to a wide range of activities, from smoking in public places to the sale of certain products. In this crossword clue, “prohibitions” is a straightforward definition of the answer, BANS.
54 Window box plant : HERB
This crossword clue refers to a type of plant that is commonly grown in a window box. HERB is the answer, and it refers to any type of herbaceous plant that is grown for culinary, medicinal, or aromatic purposes. Some examples of herbs that can be grown in a window box include basil, thyme, parsley, and chives.
55 Produit de la tête : IDEE
This crossword clue is in French, and it translates to “product of the head.” The answer is IDEE, which means “idea” in English. This clue is a play on words, as “produit” can also mean “product” in French, but in this case, it refers to the concept of an idea that is created in the mind.
57 Letter between sigma and upsilon : TAU
This crossword clue refers to a letter in the Greek alphabet. The answer is TAU, which is the 19th letter in the Greek alphabet and is located between the letters sigma and upsilon. TAU is often used as a symbol in mathematics and physics, where it represents various concepts such as torque and time constant.
58 Valuable deposit : ORE
This crossword clue refers to a type of mineral deposit that contains a valuable substance such as gold, silver, or copper. The answer is ORE, which is the term used to describe these deposits. ORE is mined and processed to extract the valuable metals or minerals contained within it.
59 Confirm the credentials of, say : VET
This crossword clue refers to the process of verifying someone’s credentials or qualifications. The answer is VET, which is short for “veteran.” While VET is often used to refer to someone who has served in the military, in this context, it refers to someone who is experienced or knowledgeable in a particular field and can therefore verify the credentials of others.
60 Newsroom VIPs : EDS
This crossword clue refers to a group of people who hold important positions in a newsroom. The answer is EDS, which is short for “editors.” Editors are responsible for overseeing the content of a newspaper, magazine, or website and ensuring that it is accurate, informative, and engaging for readers.
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