Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Wednesday May 17th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Numbered work : OPUS
OPUS is a term used to refer to a musical or literary composition, often indicating that it is part of a numbered series by the same composer or author.
5 Gushed (about) : RAVED
RAVED is a word that means to speak or write in an enthusiastic or extravagant manner about something or someone.
10 Employee badges, for short : IDS
IDS is a shortened form of the word “identifications.” In the context of the clue, it refers to the badges or cards that employees wear to identify themselves.
13 1953 Alan Ladd Western : SHANE
SHANE is a classic Western film released in 1953, starring Alan Ladd in the title role. The movie tells the story of a mysterious gunslinger who becomes involved in a conflict between ranchers and a ruthless cattle baron.
14 Former “Weekend Today” co-host Hill : ERICA
ERICA Hill is a television journalist who co-hosted the weekend edition of the news program “Today” at some point in the past. The clue indicates that she is a former co-host of “Weekend Today.”
15 Put to the test : TRY
Answer: TRY is a verb that means to attempt or make an effort to do something. In the context of the clue, it suggests subjecting something or someone to examination or evaluation.
16 Super : THE CAT’S MEOW
“The cat’s meow” is an idiomatic expression used to describe something or someone as excellent, outstanding, or highly impressive. In the context of the clue, it suggests that the answer refers to something or someone exceptional or remarkable, possibly related to the term “super.”
18 “Bring It on Home to Me” singer Cooke: SAM
SAM Cooke was an American singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and contributions to the R&B and soul music genres. “Bring It on Home to Me” is one of his popular songs.
19 Scolds loudly: YELLS AT
YELLS AT implies reprimanding or admonishing someone in a loud and forceful manner, often expressing anger or frustration.
20 Civil rights org. founded by a group that included W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells: NAACP
The NAACP, which stands for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization that was founded in 1909. It played a significant role in advocating for the rights of African Americans and combating racial discrimination.
22 “Legally Blonde” role for Reese: ELLE
ELLE is the name of the character played by Reese Witherspoon in the film “Legally Blonde.” Elle Woods is a determined and stylish law student who defies stereotypes and proves her intelligence and capabilities.
23 Super: OUT OF SIGHT
“Out of sight” is an idiomatic expression that means something is exceptional, impressive, or beyond what is expected. In the context of the clue, it suggests that the answer is synonymous with “super” or extraordinary.
27 Feature of an A-frame roof: SLANT
A SLANT is a characteristic of an A-frame roof, which has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge forming a shape similar to the letter “A.” The sloping sides create a slanted angle.
29 Genesis drummer Collins: PHIL
PHIL Collins is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He was a drummer and later became the lead vocalist for the rock band Genesis. Collins also had a successful solo career, known for hits like “In the Air Tonight” and “Another Day in Paradise.”
30 Wheels for the well-heeled: LIMO
LIMO is a short form of “limousine,” which refers to a luxury vehicle often associated with chauffeured transportation. It is commonly used to transport people in style, especially for special occasions or by those who are affluent.
31 Feng shui force: CHI
CHI is a concept in feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice of arranging physical spaces to harmonize energy flow. CHI represents the life force or energy that is believed to be present in all things and can be manipulated to achieve balance and harmony.
33 North Carolina college town: ELON
ELON is a town in North Carolina, USA. It is also the location of Elon University, a private liberal arts university known for its strong programs in business, communications, and the arts.
35 The guy for ewe?: RAM
RAM is a male sheep, and in this context, it is referred to as “the guy” for a female sheep (ewe). It plays on the wordplay where “guy” is a colloquial term for a man, but here it specifically refers to a male sheep.
36 “Nicely done!” and an apt description of 16-, 23-, 51-, and 59-THAT WAS COOL
Answer: “That was cool” is an exclamation used to express approval, satisfaction, or admiration for something well-executed or impressive. The clue indicates that this phrase is not only an enthusiastic response but also an apt description for the answers to the crossword clues at 16-, 23-, 51-, and 59-Across.
39 Gymnast Mary __ Retton: LOU
LOU Retton is a former American gymnast who achieved great success in the 1984 Olympics. She won the gold medal in the individual all-around competition, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat in Olympic gymnastics.
41 Rapper who plays Fin Tutuola: ICE-T
ICE-T is a rapper, actor, and television personality. He is known for his role as Detective Fin Tutuola on the television series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” In addition to his acting career, ICE-T is also a prominent figure in the hip-hop community.
42 Topeka’s st.: KAN
KAN is the abbreviated form of “Kansas,” a state in the United States. In this context, it represents the postal abbreviation for Topeka, the capital city of Kansas.
43 River of Florence: ARNO
ARNO is a river that flows through the city of Florence in Italy. The Arno River is significant to Florence’s history and culture, and it is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city.
45 “No __ done”: HARM
“No harm done” is a phrase used to reassure someone that no damage or negative consequences have occurred as a result of a particular action or incident. It indicates that everything is fine or resolved without any adverse effects.
47 Start of an encrypted web address: HTTPS
HTTPS stands for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.” It is the secure version of the standard HTTP protocol used for communication between web browsers and websites. The inclusion of “HTTPS” at the beginning of a web address indicates that the connection between the user’s device and the website is encrypted and secure.
51 Super: PEACHY KEEN
“Peachy keen” is an idiomatic expression that means everything is excellent, great, or satisfactory. It is used to convey a positive and enthusiastic sentiment about a situation or outcome, indicating that everything is going well or as desired.
54 Put on the payroll: HIRE
HIRE is a verb that means to employ or engage someone for a job or position. When someone is “put on the payroll,” it means they have been hired and will receive regular payment for their work as an official employee of an organization or company.
55 Ish: SORTA
“Sorta” is a colloquial contraction of “sort of.” It is used to indicate that something is partially or somewhat true or accurate, expressing a level of approximation or uncertainty.
56 Dreamy state: REVERIE
REVERIE refers to a state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts, daydreaming, or having a blissful or meditative experience. It is often associated with a dreamy or reflective state of mind.
58 Wall St. debut: IPO
IPO stands for “Initial Public Offering.” It refers to the first sale of a company’s stock to the public. When a company goes public through an IPO, it offers its shares to investors, allowing them to become shareholders and trade the company’s stock on the stock market.
59 Super: CRACKERJACK
“Crackerjack” is an idiomatic term that means excellent, outstanding, or of superior quality. It is often used to describe something or someone as exceptional or highly skilled. In the context of the clue, it suggests that the answer is synonymous with “super” or outstanding.
63 Nada: NIL
“Nada” is a Spanish word that translates to “nothing” in English. In the context of the clue, “nada” is used as a slang term to mean nothing or zero. “NIL” is the English equivalent, often used in sports or scores to represent a score of zero or no points.
64 Arizona governor Hobbs: KATIE
KATIE Hobbs is a politician who served as the Arizona Secretary of State and later became the Governor of Arizona. The clue indicates that she is the governor of Arizona with the first name “Katie.”
65 __ well: is a good sign: BODES
“Bodes well” is a phrase used to indicate that something is a positive or favorable sign for the future. It suggests that the current circumstances or indicators are indicating a good outcome or result.
66 Hair product: GEL
GEL is a styling product used for hair. It is a viscous substance that helps hold hair in place, add shine, or create specific hairstyles. Hair gel is typically applied to wet or damp hair and then styled as desired.
67 Fantastic bargain: STEAL
A “steal” refers to a fantastic bargain or an excellent deal. It implies that something is being acquired for a significantly lower price or value than it is worth, making it an advantageous purchase.
68 Toe the line: OBEY
“Toe the line” is an idiom that means to comply with rules, follow instructions, or adhere to established standards. It suggests behaving in a manner that is expected or required, without deviating or rebelling against authority or regulations.
DOWN
1 “Blast it!”: OH HELL
“Oh hell” is an exclamation used to express frustration, annoyance, or disappointment. It is an informal and emphatic way of expressing one’s strong emotions or reactions to a situation.
2 Spanish rice dish: PAELLA
PAELLA is a traditional Spanish rice dish that originated in the Valencia region. It typically consists of rice cooked with saffron, various meats such as chicken and seafood, and a mixture of vegetables and spices. Paella is known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors.
3 Relax, as fists: UNCLENCH
To “unclench” means to relax or release tension, particularly in the muscles of the hands or fists. The clue suggests letting go of a clenched or tightened grip, allowing the hands to return to a more relaxed and open position.
4 Sailing settings: SEAS
SEAS refer to large bodies of saltwater that are partially enclosed by land. In the context of the clue, “sailing settings” indicates the locations or areas where boats or ships sail, such as oceans, seas, or other bodies of water.
5 Regain one’s strength: REST UP
“Rest up” means to take a period of rest or relaxation in order to recover or regain one’s strength and energy. It implies taking a break or engaging in activities that promote physical and mental rejuvenation.
6 Sleeve: ARM
In this context, “sleeve” refers to the part of a garment that covers the arm. It is typically a tube-like structure sewn into a garment, providing coverage and protection for the arm.
7 Go head-to-head: VIE
“Vie” means to compete or contend with someone in a determined or spirited manner. When two individuals or entities go “head-to-head,” they engage in direct competition or confrontation, often with the aim of achieving victory or superiority over the other.
8 Prefix with footprint: ECO-
The prefix “ECO-” is derived from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning “house” or “environment.” When combined with other words, it forms terms related to ecology, environmentalism, or being environmentally friendly. In this case, “ECO-” is combined with “footprint” to form “ECO- footprint,” which refers to the impact or influence of human activities on the environment.
9 Occurs to, with “on”: DAWNS
“DAWNS” in this context means that something comes to mind or is realized by someone. The clue suggests that a thought or idea “occurs” to someone, often with the preposition “on” indicating the subject or topic of the realization.
10 Proclamation on some birth announcements: IT’S A GIRL
“IT’S A GIRL” is a common proclamation or announcement made on birth announcements when a baby girl is born. It indicates the gender of the newborn and is often used to share the joyous news with family, friends, and loved ones.
11 Old Greek coin: DRACHMA
DRACHMA was the currency used in ancient Greece. It was a silver coin and was widely used in various city-states throughout ancient Greek history. The drachma played a significant role in trade and commerce during that time.
12 Runny nose or headache, maybe: SYMPTOM
A “SYMPTOM” is a physical or mental feature or indication of a condition, illness, or disease. In this case, it refers to common signs that may accompany a runny nose or headache, which are often experienced as symptoms of various health issues.
13 Eye sores: STYES
A “STYE” is a small, painful lump or bump that forms on the edge of the eyelid. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection and can lead to redness, swelling, and discomfort. In the context of the clue, “eye sores” refers to the presence of styes, which are unpleasant or bothersome conditions affecting the eye.
17 Chinese philosophical concept: TAO
TAO, also known as Taoism, is a philosophical and spiritual concept originating from ancient China. It represents the fundamental principle or way of nature that encompasses the underlying unity and interconnectedness of all things. Taoism emphasizes living in harmony with the natural flow of life and seeking balance and simplicity.
21 Have a runny nose or headache, maybe: AIL
“Ail” means to be in poor health or experience discomfort, typically due to a minor illness or condition. In the context of the clue, having a runny nose or headache is mentioned as examples of symptoms that may indicate someone is ailing or not feeling well.
24 London’s Globe, for one: THEATRE
The Globe is a renowned theater located in London, England. It is famous for being the replica of the original Globe Theatre, which was built in the 16th century and associated with the works of William Shakespeare. The clue indicates that the Globe is a type of theater, emphasizing its connection to London.
25 Liquids that may be herb-infused: OILS
“OILS” refers to various types of liquids that can be infused with herbs or other ingredients. Infused oils are created by steeping herbs, spices, or flavors in a carrier oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, to extract their essence and create aromatic and flavorful oils used in cooking, cosmetics, or aromatherapy.
26 Group of sheep: FLOCK
A “FLOCK” is a group of sheep that stay together for safety, grazing, or other activities. Sheep are social animals that often move and graze as a collective group, forming flocks. The clue indicates that a group of sheep is referred to as a flock.
28 Pad __: stir-fried noodle dish: THAI
“Pad Thai” is a popular stir-fried noodle dish that originated in Thailand. It typically consists of rice noodles stir-fried with various ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, tofu, eggs, and vegetables, seasoned with a blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The dish is commonly associated with Thai cuisine and is enjoyed both domestically and internationally.
32 Like cheap wool: ITCHY
“ITCHY” describes a sensation or feeling that causes irritation or discomfort on the skin, often accompanied by a desire to scratch. In this context, it refers to the characteristic of cheap wool, which may cause itchiness when worn.
34 Trevor who hosted “The Daily Show” from 2015 to 2022: NOAH
Trevor NOAH is a South African comedian, writer, and television host who served as the host of “The Daily Show” starting in 2015. He succeeded Jon Stewart and continued as the host until 2022, bringing his unique perspective and humor to the satirical news program.
36 Sushi option: TUNA ROLL
A “TUNA ROLL” is a type of sushi roll that typically contains a filling of raw or cooked tuna, along with other ingredients such as rice, seaweed (nori), and vegetables. It is a popular choice among sushi enthusiasts and offers a flavorful combination of textures and tastes.
37 __ sauce: WEAK
In this context, “WEAK” describes a type of sauce that lacks intensity, spiciness, or strength. It suggests that the sauce does not have a robust or powerful flavor profile.
38 Like some training: ON-THE-JOB
“ON-THE-JOB” refers to a type of training or learning that takes place while actively working or performing tasks in a particular job or profession. It emphasizes the practical experience and skill development that occurs through hands-on work and real-world application.
39 Expiring, as a subscription: LAPSING
“LAPSING” refers to the act of coming to an end or expiring, typically in relation to a subscription or a time-limited agreement. It indicates that the subscription is reaching its expiration date or is no longer in effect.
40 No-bake dessert with a cookie crust: OREO PIE
“OREO PIE” is a dessert made with a cookie crust typically created from crushed Oreo cookies mixed with butter or another binding agent. The crust is typically topped with a creamy filling that may contain Oreo cookie crumbs or a combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, and other ingredients. It is a popular no-bake dessert option that showcases the beloved Oreo cookie flavor.
44 Halloween mo.: OCT
“OCT” is an abbreviation for October, which is the month associated with Halloween. The clue indicates that Halloween occurs in the month of October.
46 Former German chancellor Angela: MERKEL
Angela MERKEL is a German politician who served as the Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She was the first woman to hold this position and played a significant role in German and European politics during her tenure.
48 Diatribe: TIRADE
A “TIRADE” refers to a long, angry, or vehement speech or verbal attack. It involves a forceful and often harsh expression of disapproval, criticism, or frustration towards a person, group, or situation.
49 Expensive: PRICEY
“PRICEY” is an informal term used to describe something that is costly or expensive. It suggests that the item or service being referred to carries a higher price tag or requires a significant amount of money to obtain or acquire.
50 Goes after: SEEKS
“SEEKS” means to pursue or search for something or someone actively. It implies making an effort or taking action to find or attain a desired objective or target.
52 Emmy-winning series starring Jean Smart as a comedian: HACKS
“HACKS” is an Emmy-winning television series that features Jean Smart in the role of a comedian. The show revolves around the life and career of a veteran stand-up comic and explores various aspects of the entertainment industry and personal relationships. Jean Smart’s performance in the series earned her critical acclaim and recognition.
53 Born, in Bordeaux: NEE
“NEE” is a term derived from French that is used in English to indicate a woman’s maiden or birth name. It is typically used in formal contexts, such as when listing a woman’s name before marriage or to provide her original surname.
57 Online marketplace with holiday homes: VRBO
VRBO stands for “Vacation Rentals by Owner.” It is an online marketplace that connects homeowners with individuals seeking vacation rental properties. VRBO allows property owners to list their homes or properties for short-term rentals, providing a platform for travelers to find and book accommodations for their holidays.
60 Rodent or snitch: RAT
In this context, “RAT” can refer to both a small mammal belonging to the rodent family and also as a slang term for a person who betrays or informs on others, often for personal gain. The term “rat” when used to describe a person is typically associated with someone who provides information or acts as an informant to authorities or other parties.
61 Picnicked: ATE
“ATE” is the past tense of the verb “eat.” In the context of the clue, it indicates that someone had a picnic and consumed food during that outdoor dining experience.
62 Spy org.: CIA
“CIA” stands for the Central Intelligence Agency. It is a United States government agency responsible for gathering intelligence and conducting covert operations to protect national security and provide strategic analysis to policymakers. The CIA is known for its role in intelligence gathering and counterintelligence activities.
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