Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Tuesday May 9th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 NYC nabe with the Museum of Ice Cream: SOHO
Soho is a trendy neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. It is known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants. The Museum of Ice Cream is a popular interactive art exhibit located in Soho. It features various rooms and installations that showcase ice cream-themed art and designs.
5 Keith Haring genre: POP ART
Keith Haring was an American artist known for his bold and colorful designs that often depicted social and political themes. He was associated with the pop art movement, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction against abstract expressionism. Pop art emphasized the use of popular culture and everyday objects in art, often through the use of bright colors, bold lines, and commercial imagery.
11 First piece moved in chess, often: PAWN
In chess, the pawn is the smallest and most numerous piece on the board. It is usually the first piece moved at the start of the game and is often sacrificed in the early stages to gain positional advantages or to control space on the board. Pawns move forward one square at a time, except for their initial move, where they can move forward two squares.
15 “My turn!”: I’M UP
“I’m up!” is a common phrase used to indicate that it is one’s turn to do something. It is often used in sports, games, or other competitive activities to indicate that a player or participant is ready to take their turn.
16 Dealership perk: LOANER
A loaner is a temporary replacement vehicle that is provided by a car dealership or repair shop while a customer’s car is being serviced or repaired. Loaners are often offered as a courtesy to customers and may be provided free of charge or for a nominal fee.
17 __ vera gel: ALOE
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is native to North Africa but is now grown in many parts of the world. It is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in cosmetics, lotions, and ointments to soothe and heal skin conditions such as burns, sunburns, and eczema. Aloe vera gel is the clear, jelly-like substance that is found inside the plant’s leaves.
18 Review site used by students: RATE MY PROFESSORS
Rate My Professors is a website that allows students to rate and review their college and university professors. The site was launched in 1999 and has since become a popular resource for students to research and evaluate potential instructors. Reviews on Rate My Professors often include ratings on the professor’s overall quality, easiness, and helpfulness, as well as comments on their teaching style and course content.
21 First part: INTRO
This crossword clue is referring to the word “intro,” which is short for “introduction.” An introduction is a preliminary explanation or opening that precedes something else, such as a speech, a book, or a musical performance. In crossword puzzles, “intro” is often clued as “first part” or “opening.”
22 Après-__: SKI
The French phrase “après-ski” refers to activities that take place after a day of skiing. This can include relaxing at a ski resort, having a drink at a ski lodge, or engaging in other social activities. In crossword puzzles, “après-ski” is often clued as “after skiing.”
23 White House rejections: VETOES
In the United States government, the President has the power to veto legislation that has been passed by Congress. A veto means that the President refuses to sign a bill into law, and sends it back to Congress with his or her objections. In crossword puzzles, “vetoes” is often clued as “White House rejections.”
24 Bronx-born member of Congress, familiarly: AOC
“AOC” stands for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is a member of the United States House of Representatives representing New York’s 14th congressional district. She was born in the Bronx, New York, and has become a prominent political figure, particularly among progressive Democrats. In crossword puzzles, “AOC” is often clued as “Bronx-born member of Congress, familiarly.”
26 Using Wi-Fi: ONLINE
“Online” refers to being connected to the internet, typically through a Wi-Fi network. In crossword puzzles, “online” is often clued as “using Wi-Fi” or “connected to the internet.”
28 Honor, with “to”: PAY TRIBUTE
To “pay tribute” means to express respect or admiration for someone or something. This can be done through words, actions, or other means of recognition. In crossword puzzles, “pay tribute” is often clued as “honor, with ‘to’.”
32 Ye __ Shoppe : OLDE
The clue “Ye __ Shoppe” is asking for a word that would fit in the blank space to complete the phrase. The word that fits here is “OLDE,” which is a poetic or archaic spelling of “old.” This spelling is often used to give a sense of nostalgia or to evoke an earlier time period.
35 Sheltered, at sea : ALEE
The word “alee” is a nautical term that describes the side of a ship or boat that is sheltered from the wind. When a ship is “sheltered, at sea,” it is “ALEE.” This is a useful term for sailors and navigators, as it helps them describe the position and movement of a vessel relative to the wind and waves.
36 German article : DER
In German, there are three articles that correspond to the English “the”: “der” (masculine), “die” (feminine), and “das” (neuter). The clue “German article” is asking for one of these articles, and the answer is “DER,” which is the masculine form. It is used before masculine nouns in the nominative, accusative, and genitive cases.
37 Most concise : TERSEST
The clue “Most concise” is asking for a superlative adjective that means “the most concise.” The answer is “TERSEST,” which means “using very few words” or “concise to the point of rudeness.” It is the superlative form of the adjective “terse.”
40 Tell tales : LIE
The phrase “tell tales” is a colloquialism that means “to reveal secrets or private information about someone.” The answer to this crossword clue is “LIE,” which is a verb that means “to say something that is not true.” While telling tales may sometimes involve lying, it can also refer to telling the truth about someone in a way that is seen as betraying their trust or revealing confidential information.
41 French article : LES
In French, there are two articles that correspond to the English “the”: “le” (masculine) and “la” (feminine). The clue “French article” is asking for one of these articles, and the answer is “LES,” which is the plural form of both “le” and “la.” It is used before plural nouns in all cases.
42 Lisbon greeting : OLA
The word “OLA” is a Portuguese greeting that is similar to the English “hello” or “hi.” Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal, so the clue “Lisbon greeting” is asking for a word or phrase commonly used to greet someone in Lisbon. The answer is “OLA.”
43 EMT skill: CPR
EMT stands for Emergency Medical Technician. They are trained professionals who provide emergency medical care to people who are injured or ill. “CPR” stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a technique used to restore the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs in people who have suffered cardiac arrest. CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breathing, and is an important skill for EMTs and other medical professionals to know.
44 Makeup for lashes: MASCARA
“Mascara” is a cosmetic product that is used to darken, thicken, and lengthen eyelashes. It is applied with a small brush or wand and comes in many different colors and formulations. Mascara is a popular beauty product for people of all genders, and can be used to create a variety of different looks, from natural to dramatic.
46 Ride-or-die pal, briefly: BFF
“BFF” stands for “best friend forever.” It is a colloquialism that is often used to describe a close friend or companion who is very important to someone. The term “ride-or-die” is also often used in this context, and refers to someone who is willing to support and stand by their friend through thick and thin, no matter what happens.
47 Singer Del Rey: LANA
“Lana Del Rey” is the stage name of Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is known for her unique and moody vocal style, as well as her deeply personal and confessional lyrics. Del Rey has released several critically acclaimed albums and singles, and has a large and devoted fanbase around the world.
48 Opportunity: SHOT
The word “shot” has many different meanings, but in the context of this crossword clue it likely refers to an opportunity or a chance to do something. For example, someone might say “I’m going to take a shot at starting my own business,” meaning that they are going to try to start a business and see what happens. The word “shot” is often used in this way in casual speech and writing.
49 Alliterative chant from “Jack and the Beanstalk”: FEE-FI-FO-FUM
“FEE-FI-FO-FUM” is a well-known chant from the English folktale “Jack and the Beanstalk.” It is spoken by the giant who lives in the clouds above the beanstalk, and is often used to signify danger or impending doom. The exact meaning of the words is unclear, but they are thought to be onomatopoeic, meaning that they sound like what they represent.
52 Montana’s capital: HELENA
Helena is the capital city of the U.S. state of Montana. It is located near the western edge of the state, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Helena was founded in the mid-19th century during the Montana gold rush, and has a rich history as a center of mining and industry in the region. Today, it is a small but thriving city known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural attractions.
54 Soccer goal part: NET
In soccer, the “net” is the part of the goal that the ball must pass through in order to score a point. The net is usually made of a fine mesh material, and is attached to the frame of the goal with cords or ties. When a player kicks the ball into the net, it is considered a goal and the team earns a point.
55 Calm: SERENE
The word “serene” is often used to describe a state of calm, peace, and tranquility. It is often associated with natural settings, such as serene forests, calm waters, or peaceful meadows. A person who is described as “serene” is typically calm and composed, and is not easily agitated or upset.
58 Neutral possessive pronoun: ITS
The word “its” is a possessive pronoun that is used to indicate ownership or possession by a non-human entity, such as an animal, an object, or an abstraction. For example, one might say “The dog chased its tail,” meaning that the dog was chasing its own tail. The word “its” is neutral in gender and does not indicate whether the owner or possessor is male or female.
60 __ cotta: TERRA
“Terra cotta” is a type of clay-based ceramic material that is often used for architectural decoration, pottery, and sculpture. The name “terra cotta” comes from Italian and means “baked earth.” Terra cotta is known for its distinctive reddish-brown color and porous texture, and has been used in many cultures throughout history.
64 Entry-level wages, and a hint to the first words of 18-, 28-, and 49-Across: STARTING SALARIES
“Starting salaries” refers to the wages or salaries that are offered to employees who are just starting out in a new job or career. These wages are often lower than those offered to more experienced workers, and are meant to reflect the fact that the employee is still learning and developing their skills. In this crossword puzzle, the phrase “starting salaries” is also a hint to the first words of three different clues: 18-Across (“Entry-level position”), 28-Across (“Begin a journey”), and 49-Across (“Alliterative chant from ‘Jack and the Beanstalk'”).
67 Appellation: NAME
An “appellation” is a fancy word for a name or title, especially one that is used to describe or identify someone or something. For example, “The Big Apple” is an appellation for the city of New York, while “The Bard” is an appellation for William Shakespeare.
68 Sign after Taurus: GEMINI
In astrology, the zodiac sign of Gemini follows the sign of Taurus. Gemini is represented by the symbol of the twins, and is associated with qualities such as communication, curiosity, and adaptability. People who are born between May 21 and June 21 are considered to be born under the sign of Gemini.
69 Colorful eye part: IRIS
The “iris” is a part of the eye that is responsible for controlling the amount of light that enters the eye. It is also the part of the eye that gives it its distinctive color. The iris is located between the cornea and the lens of the eye, and is made up of a series of muscles and pigments that allow it to expand or contract in response to changing light conditions.
70 Avoided a tag, perhaps: SLID
In sports such as baseball or softball, “sliding” is a technique used by a runner to avoid being tagged out by the opposing team. When a runner slides, they throw themselves to the ground and slide along the base path, usually feet-first, in an attempt to avoid the tag of the fielder. Sliding can be an effective way to avoid being caught out, but it can also be dangerous if the runner does not slide properly or collides with the fielder.
71 Like some fancy bathroom floors: HEATED
“Heated” floors are a type of flooring that are designed to be warm to the touch. They are often used in bathrooms or other rooms where people might walk around barefoot, in order to provide a comfortable and cozy atmosphere. Heated floors can be powered by electricity, hot water, or other heating sources.
72 “__ No Sunshine”: Bill Withers hit: AIN’T
“Ain’t No Sunshine” is a classic soul song by the American singer-songwriter Bill Withers. It was released in 1971 as a single, and went on to become one of Withers’ signature songs. The song features a sparse arrangement of guitar, drums, and vocals, and is known for its melancholy lyrics and soulful performance by Withers. It has been covered by many other artists over the years, and remains a beloved classic of the soul genre.
DOWN
1 Apple’s virtual assistant: SIRI
Siri is a virtual assistant developed by Apple Inc. It uses natural language processing to respond to voice commands and answer questions. Siri can perform various tasks for users, such as setting alarms, sending text messages, and making phone calls, among others. The name “Siri” is of Norwegian origin and means “beautiful woman who leads you to victory”.
2 Mideast sultanate: OMAN
Oman is a sultanate located in the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. It is a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council and has a diversified economy based on oil, gas, tourism, and fisheries. Oman is known for its scenic landscapes, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
3 Sluglike species of “Star Wars”: HUTT
The Hutts are a fictional species of slug-like creatures in the Star Wars universe. They are known for their long lifespans, manipulative tendencies, and criminal enterprises. One of the most famous Hutts in Star Wars is Jabba the Hutt, who appears as a major antagonist in the original Star Wars trilogy.
4 Run: OPERATE
“Operate” can mean to run or control the functioning of a machine, system, or organization. For example, a surgeon operates on a patient, a CEO operates a company, and a computer program operates a device.
5 Kleenex layer: PLY
“Ply” can refer to a layer or thickness of a material. In the context of Kleenex, “ply” refers to the number of layers of tissue paper that make up a single sheet of the product. Kleenex tissues are typically available in two-ply or three-ply varieties.
6 “My bad!”: OOPS
“My bad!” is an informal expression that is used to acknowledge a mistake or error. It is often used as an apology or admission of fault. The phrase is believed to have originated in basketball, where players would take responsibility for errors by saying “my bad” to their teammates.
7 Sport that turns everyday objects into an obstacle course: PARKOUR
Parkour is a physical discipline that involves using the body to navigate through complex environments, often by jumping, climbing, and running. Practitioners of parkour, known as “traceurs”, use their surroundings to create an obstacle course of sorts, often utilizing buildings, walls, and other urban structures as part of their training. Parkour is often seen as a form of self-expression and artistic movement, as well as a way to improve physical fitness and mobility.
8 Bless using oil: ANOINT
Anointing is a religious ritual that involves the application of oil or other substances to a person’s head or body as a sign of blessing, consecration, or healing. The practice of anointing has a long history in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In the Christian tradition, anointing is often performed during sacraments such as baptism and confirmation, and is also used to bless the sick and dying.
9 Whistle blower?: REF
In the context of sports, a “whistle blower” is a referee, who is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game and making calls about fouls, violations, and other infractions. Referees use a whistle to signal stoppages in play and to draw the attention of players and coaches to their decisions. The term “whistle blower” can also refer more generally to someone who exposes wrongdoing or corruption, often at great personal risk.
10 Rome’s __ Fountain: TREVI
The Trevi Fountain is a famous Baroque fountain in Rome, Italy. It is located in the Trevi district of the city and is considered one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The fountain was designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762. It features a large central statue of Oceanus, the Roman god of the sea, and is decorated with various other sculptures and reliefs.
11 Muted shades: PASTELS
Pastels are a type of muted, pale shades of colors that are often associated with softness, gentleness, and delicacy. The term “pastel” can refer to a range of colors, including pinks, blues, yellows, greens, and purples, among others. Pastels are often used in art and design, and are particularly popular in fashion, where they are frequently seen in spring and summer collections.
12 __ gobi: vegetarian curry dish: ALOO
Aloo gobi is a vegetarian Indian dish that is popular in many parts of South Asia and beyond. The dish typically consists of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) that are cooked together in a spicy curry sauce made from a blend of traditional Indian spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and ginger. Aloo gobi can be served with rice, naan bread, or other Indian accompaniments.
13 Was dressed in: WORE
To “wear” clothing or accessories means to have them on one’s body as a form of dress or adornment. The past tense of “wear” is “wore”. For example, “Yesterday, I wore my favorite sweater to work.”
14 Loch in tabloid photos: NESS
The term “loch” is a Scottish Gaelic word that is commonly used to refer to a lake or a body of water. “Loch Ness” is a famous Scottish loch that is known for its legendary monster, the Loch Ness Monster or “Nessie”. The loch is located in the Scottish Highlands and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who hope to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. In tabloid photos, “Ness” may be used to refer to the Loch Ness Monster itself or to images that purport to show evidence of the creature’s existence.
19 Tie up at the dock : MOOR
To “moor” a boat means to secure it to a fixed object, such as a dock, using ropes or chains. This keeps the boat in place and prevents it from drifting away. The word “moor” can also be used as a noun to refer to a place where boats can be secured in this way.
20 Madame’s Spanish counterpart : SENORA
“Madame” is a French word that is typically used to address a woman in a formal or polite way. “Señora” is the equivalent word in Spanish. Both words can be used to address a married woman, although “señora” can also be used to address a woman of a certain age or social status.
25 Angry Orchard beverage : CIDER
Angry Orchard is a brand of hard cider, which is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented apple juice. Hard cider is a popular drink in many parts of the world, particularly in regions where apples are grown. Angry Orchard is known for its crisp, refreshing flavor and is available in a variety of different flavors.
27 Acquit : LET OFF
To “let off” someone means to release them from a responsibility, obligation, or punishment. In the context of a court case, “letting someone off” can mean to acquit them of a crime, meaning that they are found not guilty and are not punished for their actions.
28 Tropical tree : PALM
The palm tree is a type of tree that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Palm trees are known for their tall, slender trunks and large, fan-like leaves. They are a common sight in many tropical destinations, and are often used as a symbol of relaxation and paradise.
29 Pseudonym : ALIAS
A pseudonym is a name that someone uses instead of their real name, often in order to maintain privacy or to avoid being associated with certain actions or beliefs. An “alias” is another word for a pseudonym, and can be used to refer to a name that someone uses for this purpose.
30 “Unbelievable!” : YEESH
“Yeesh” is an expression that is often used to convey disbelief, surprise, or annoyance. It is a more informal way of expressing these emotions than other similar words like “gee” or “gosh”.
31 “Take care on the way home!” : BE SAFE
This clue is prompting the solver to find a two-word phrase that means “to be careful while traveling home.” The answer to this clue is “BE SAFE,” which is often used as a farewell expression, wishing someone a safe journey home.
33 Late-afternoon coffee choice : DECAF
This clue is directing the solver to look for a word that describes a type of coffee that is often consumed in the late afternoon. The answer to this clue is “DECAF,” which stands for “decaffeinated.” Decaf coffee has had most or all of its caffeine removed, making it a popular choice for those who want to avoid caffeine’s stimulant effects.
34 Broadcaster of some NCAA games : ESPNU
This clue is asking the solver to identify a television network that broadcasts certain NCAA games. The answer to this clue is “ESPNU,” which is a channel that is dedicated to college sports coverage. ESPNU broadcasts a wide range of NCAA events, including football, basketball, and other college sports.
38 Pixieish : ELFIN
This clue is seeking a word that describes someone or something that has a small, delicate, and mischievous appearance, like that of a pixie. The answer to this clue is “ELFIN,” which is an adjective that can be used to describe someone or something that is charmingly small and sprightly.
39 Shuttle on rails : TRAM
This clue is prompting the solver to find a word that describes a type of transportation that runs on rails. The answer to this clue is “TRAM,” which is a vehicle that travels along a fixed track, often used to transport people or goods over short distances.
41 Not yet visible : LATENT
This clue is asking the solver to identify a word that describes something that is not yet visible, but may become so in the future. The answer to this clue is “LATENT,” which means “existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed.” Latent refers to something that is present but not yet visible or apparent.
45 Held together : COHERED
This clue is asking the solver to find a word that means “held together” or “united.” The answer to this clue is “COHERED,” which is an adjective that describes something that is integrated or unified. For example, one might say that a group of people cohered around a common goal or that an argument cohered logically.
46 Scrams : BEATS IT
This clue is prompting the solver to identify a two-word phrase that means “to leave quickly” or “to run away.” The answer to this clue is “BEATS IT,” which is a common slang expression used to tell someone to go away or to leave quickly.
47 Game of chance also known as “Mexican bingo” : LOTERIA
This clue is directing the solver to identify a term that refers to a popular game of chance, sometimes called “Mexican bingo.” The answer to this clue is “LOTERIA,” which is a traditional Mexican game that uses cards featuring images of various objects, animals, and people. Players mark off the images on their cards as they are drawn randomly from a deck, and the first person to complete a winning pattern shouts “¡Lotería!” to claim the prize.
50 Mystery : ENIGMA
This clue is asking the solver to find a word that means “a mystery” or “something that is difficult to understand.” The answer to this clue is “ENIGMA,” which is a noun that describes a situation, person, or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to comprehend.
51 Greek cheese : FETA
This clue is directing the solver to identify a type of cheese that is popular in Greek cuisine. The answer to this clue is “FETA,” which is a salty, crumbly cheese made from sheep’s milk (although some versions may also include goat’s milk). Feta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, pastries, and sandwiches.
53 “Psycho” actress Janet : LEIGH
This clue is prompting the solver to identify the surname of an actress who starred in the classic 1960 horror film “Psycho.” The answer to this clue is “LEIGH,” and the actress in question is Janet Leigh. Leigh played the role of Marion Crane, a secretary who meets a grisly fate at the Bates Motel, in one of the most famous scenes in cinematic history.
55 Taxpayer IDs : SSNS
This crossword clue is asking the solver to identify a set of initials that refer to taxpayer identification numbers. The answer to this clue is “SSNS,” which stands for Social Security Numbers. A Social Security Number is a unique nine-digit identification number issued to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary residents for tax and employment purposes.
56 List-shortening abbr. : ET AL
This clue is asking the solver to identify a Latin abbreviation that is commonly used in English to shorten a list of names. The answer to this clue is “ET AL,” which is short for “et alia,” meaning “and others.” Et al. is often used in academic writing to abbreviate a list of authors, for example, “Smith, Jones, et al.” means “Smith, Jones, and others.”
57 Actor Malek : RAMI
This crossword clue is asking the solver to identify the first name of an actor with the last name Malek. The answer to this clue is “RAMI,” and the actor in question is Rami Malek. Malek is an American actor who is best known for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the 2018 biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.” He has also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including “Mr. Robot” and “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.”
59 Levelheaded : SANE
This clue is prompting the solver to find a word that means “possessing a clear and rational mind” or “levelheaded.” The answer to this clue is “SANE,” which is an adjective that describes a person or situation that is rational, stable, and in good mental health. Someone who is described as sane is thought to have a sound and healthy mind.
61 2023 Super Bowl performer, to fans : RIRI
This crossword clue is asking the solver to identify the nickname of the performer who will be headlining the halftime show at the 2023 Super Bowl, as known by fans. The answer to this clue is “RIRI,” which is a nickname for the popular Barbadian singer, Rihanna. Rihanna is known for her hit songs such as “Umbrella,” “Diamonds,” and “Work,” and has won multiple Grammy Awards over the course of her career.
62 Bridle part : REIN
This clue is asking the solver to identify a part of a bridle, which is a piece of equipment used to control a horse. The answer to this clue is “REIN,” which is a strap or piece of rope that attaches to the bit in the horse’s mouth and is used to guide and control the horse. There are usually two reins in a bridle, one for each hand of the rider.
63 Admin. aide : ASST
This clue is prompting the solver to identify an abbreviated form of a common job title. The answer to this clue is “ASST,” which is short for “assistant.” An administrative assistant is a person who performs various administrative and clerical tasks in an office or organization, such as answering phones, filing paperwork, and scheduling appointments.
65 Formerly called : NEE
This clue is asking the solver to identify a term that is used to indicate a person’s former name, typically a woman’s maiden name. The answer to this clue is “NEE,” which is a French word that means “born” or “née” in English. In genealogy and other contexts, the term “nee” is used to indicate a woman’s birth name before she got married and changed her last name.
66 Pot top : LID
This crossword clue is asking the solver to identify a term that describes the top part of a pot or other container. The answer to this clue is “LID,” which is a flat or curved piece that covers the opening of a container, such as a pot or a jar. Lids are typically used to keep the contents of the container fresh and to prevent spillage or contamination.
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