Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Saturday May 6th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Light touch from a decorator: ACCENT LAMP
An “accent lamp” is a small lamp that is used by decorators to highlight or accentuate specific parts of a room or piece of furniture. Unlike larger lamps that provide general lighting, an accent lamp is designed to add a subtle touch of light to a specific area or object. It can be used to highlight a painting or sculpture, for example, or to add a soft glow to a dark corner of a room.
11 Zabaglione base: EGGS
Zabaglione is a classic Italian dessert made from eggs, sugar, and Marsala wine. The eggs form the base of the dessert and are beaten together with sugar and wine to create a light, frothy custard. Zabaglione can be served warm or cold, and is often accompanied by fresh fruit or biscuits.
15 “That’s what my intuition was telling me”: I HAD A HUNCH
“I had a hunch” is a colloquial expression that means “I had a feeling or suspicion about something.” It is often used to describe a situation where someone has an intuition or gut feeling about a particular outcome or situation, which later turns out to be correct.
16 Wolfe of “Black Orchids”: NERO
“Nero Wolfe” is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout. He is the main character in a series of detective novels and short stories that began in the 1930s. In “Black Orchids,” one of the novels in the series, Wolfe investigates a murder that takes place in a flower show.
17 Game-changing: MONUMENTAL
“Monumental” is an adjective that means “extremely important or significant.” It can be used to describe an event or accomplishment that has a major impact on a particular field or industry. For example, a new invention or discovery might be described as “monumental” if it fundamentally changes the way people think or work.
18 Old autocrat: TSAR
“Tsar” is a title that was used by the rulers of Russia from the 16th to the early 20th century. It is derived from the Latin word “Caesar” and was used to signify the absolute power and authority of the Russian monarch. Tsars were known for their autocratic rule and often held absolute power over their subjects.
19 Floating junk: SPACE WASTE
“Space waste” refers to the debris and junk that is left behind in space as a result of human activity. This can include things like discarded satellites, spent rocket stages, and other debris from space missions. Space waste is a growing problem, as it poses a risk to other spacecraft and satellites in orbit around the Earth.
20 Cutest of the litter, maybe : RUNT
In a litter of animals, such as puppies or kittens, the runt is the smallest or weakest one of the group. While this may not necessarily make them the cutest, they are often considered the most vulnerable and in need of special care and attention.
21 Noise : ADO
The word “ado” can be used to mean a commotion, fuss, or uproar – in other words, a noisy situation. It can also be used in the phrase “without further ado,” meaning without any more fuss or delay.
22 Secretive group? : GLANDS
This clue is a bit of a play on words. “Secretive” can mean something that is kept hidden or private, while “glands” are organs in the body that produce and secrete substances such as hormones. So, a “secretive group” could refer to the glands in the body that produce hormones, which are often mysterious and not well-understood.
24 Jazz drummer Blakey : ART
Art Blakey was an American jazz drummer and bandleader who was active from the 1940s until his death in 1990. He was known for his powerful and distinctive style, and led a number of influential jazz ensembles over the course of his career.
26 City on the James River : RICHMOND
Richmond is a city in the state of Virginia, located on the banks of the James River. It is the capital of Virginia, and has a rich history dating back to the colonial era. Today, Richmond is known for its cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites.
30 Boxer’s mouth piece? : SQUEAK TOY
This clue is another example of wordplay. A “mouth piece” can refer to a device that a boxer wears to protect their teeth and jaws during a fight, but in this case it also refers to a toy that a dog might play with using its mouth. A “squeak toy” is a type of dog toy that makes noise when squeezed, and is often shaped like a small animal or object.
32 Gender option on some surveys : OTHER
In recent years, some surveys and forms have begun to include an option for respondents to identify as “other” when asked about their gender. This is meant to be a more inclusive option for individuals who do not identify as male or female, or who identify as non-binary or genderqueer.
35 One committed to an orderly society? : NUN
The clue here is a play on words, using “committed” to suggest both dedication and institutionalization. A nun is a member of a religious community who has taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, and who often lives in a convent or monastery. Nuns are known for their commitment to spiritual values and the discipline of their way of life, which can be seen as a kind of “orderliness.” Thus, the answer to the clue is “NUN.”
36 Of no help : USELESS
This is a straightforward clue that asks for a word that means “not helpful” or “ineffective.” The answer is “USELESS,” which is an adjective that describes something that is of no use or value.
38 French summer : ETE
This clue uses a bit of wordplay to hint at the answer. “French summer” refers to the French word for “summer,” which is “ETE.” The clue is designed to mislead the solver into thinking that the answer might be a specific location in France, but the answer is actually a French word that means “summer.”
39 Race-ready, in a way : LANED
This clue uses a pun to hint at the answer. “Race-ready” suggests that the answer has something to do with getting ready for a race, but it also sounds like “razor-edged,” which suggests that the answer has something to do with sharp edges or boundaries. The answer is “LANED,” which means to divide a road or track into lanes, as in a race.
41 Classical piece that’s the basis of the 1965 hit “A Lover’s Concerto” : MINUET IN G
This clue is asking for the name of a classical music composition that serves as the basis for a popular song from the 1960s. The answer is “MINUET IN G,” which is a piece of music composed by Johann Sebastian Bach. The melody of the piece was later used as the basis for the song “A Lover’s Concerto” by The Toys, which became a hit in 1965.
43 Biometric reading : IRIS SCAN
This clue is asking for a type of technology that reads a specific part of the human body in order to identify someone. The answer is “IRIS SCAN,” which is a biometric technology that uses the patterns in a person’s iris (the colored part of the eye) to verify their identity. Iris scans are often used for security purposes, such as in airports or government buildings, and are considered a highly secure form of identification.
45 GPS prediction : ETA
This clue is asking for a term that is commonly used in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology, which is used to track and navigate the location of a person or vehicle. The answer is “ETA,” which stands for “Estimated Time of Arrival.” It refers to the approximate time at which the person or vehicle is expected to arrive at a specific destination.
46 Last stop before leaving for vacation, perhaps : KENNEL
This clue is designed to be a bit tricky. At first glance, it might seem like the answer is a specific location, such as an airport or train station. However, the clue is actually referring to a place where you might leave a pet before going on vacation. The answer is “KENNEL,” which is a facility where dogs and cats are housed and cared for while their owners are away.
48 Racket of lamb : BAA
This clue is a play on words, using the sound that a lamb makes to hint at the answer. “Racket” suggests a disturbance or noise, while “lamb” suggests a young sheep. The answer is “BAA,” which is the sound that a sheep makes. In this case, “racket of lamb” is a culinary term that refers to a cut of lamb that includes the ribs.
50 Fad : RAGE
This clue is asking for a term that describes a trend or craze that becomes popular for a short period of time. The answer is “RAGE,” which is a noun that refers to a strong feeling of excitement or enthusiasm. In this context, it is used to describe a popular trend or fad that captures people’s attention for a brief period before fading away.
51 Doug Wright’s “I Am My Own Wife,” e.g. : ONE-MAN SHOW
This clue is asking for the type of theatrical production that “I Am My Own Wife” belongs to. The answer is “ONE-MAN SHOW,” which is a type of performance in which a single actor performs all of the roles in a play. In “I Am My Own Wife,” the actor plays multiple characters, including a German transvestite who survived both Nazi and Communist regimes.
58 Some fluffy slippers : UGGS
This clue is asking for a type of footwear that is known for its soft and fluffy texture. The answer is “UGGS,” which is a brand of boots and slippers that are made from sheepskin. The boots and slippers are popular for their warmth and comfort, and are often worn in cold weather.
59 Dolphin kin : PILOT WHALE
This clue is asking for a type of marine mammal that is closely related to the dolphin. The answer is “PILOT WHALE,” which is a large, dark-colored whale that is found in oceans around the world. Pilot whales are known for their intelligence and social behavior, and they often travel in large groups called pods.
60 Source of smoky notes in whiskey : PEAT
This clue is asking for a substance that is used in the production of whiskey to give it a smoky flavor. The answer is “PEAT,” which is a type of soil that is formed from partially decayed plant material. Peat is commonly used as fuel in Scotland, where it is burned to dry the malted barley used in whiskey production. As the barley is dried, it absorbs the smoky flavor of the peat, which gives the whiskey its distinctive taste.
61 Uplifting historical figure? : ELISHA OTIS
This clue is a play on words, using the term “uplifting” to hint at the answer. The answer is “ELISHA OTIS,” who was an American inventor and businessman best known for inventing the modern elevator. Otis’s invention made it possible to safely transport people and goods to higher floors in buildings, which helped to transform cities and urban landscapes.
62 Cornstarch brand : ARGO
This clue is asking for a brand name that is associated with a type of cornstarch. The answer is “ARGO,” which is a brand of cornstarch that is made from corn kernels. Cornstarch is a fine powder that is commonly used in cooking and baking as a thickening agent.
63 Mythological swimmer : SEA SERPENT
This clue is asking for a creature from mythology that is known for swimming in the sea. The answer is “SEA SERPENT,” which is a legendary sea creature that is often depicted as a long, snake-like creature with multiple heads. The sea serpent appears in the folklore of many cultures, and is sometimes described as a fearsome monster that attacks ships and sailors.
DOWN
1 Targets : AIMS
This clue is asking for a word that means “targets” or “objectives.” The answer is “AIMS,” which is a verb that means to direct one’s efforts or attention toward a particular goal or objective.
2 Veal cut : CHOP
This clue is asking for a type of cut of veal. The answer is “CHOP,” which is a term used to describe a piece of meat that has been cut from the rib section of the animal. Veal chops are often prepared by grilling, broiling, or pan-frying.
3 Veronese’s “The Wedding Feast at __” : CANA
This clue is asking for the name of a painting by the Italian Renaissance artist Paolo Veronese. The answer is “CANA,” which refers to the biblical story of the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine.
4 Train conductors, say : EDUCATE
This clue is asking for a word that describes what train conductors do. The answer is “EDUCATE,” which is a verb that means to teach or instruct. Train conductors are responsible for ensuring that passengers understand the rules and regulations of the train, and for providing information about the train’s schedule and stops.
5 Tagged : NAMED
This clue is asking for a word that means “tagged” or “identified.” The answer is “NAMED,” which is a verb that means to give a name to something or someone.
6 All available options : THE WORKS
This clue is asking for a phrase that means “all available options” or “everything included.” The answer is “THE WORKS,” which is a colloquial expression that can be used to describe a situation where everything is included or where all possible options have been considered. For example, a person might say they ordered a pizza with “the works,” meaning that they want all available toppings.
7 __ Bar: nutritional snack : LUNA
This clue is asking for the name of a type of nutritional snack bar. The answer is “LUNA,” which is a brand of snack bars that are marketed to women and are made with organic ingredients.
8 Myrmecologist’s study : ANTS
This clue is asking for the area of study that myrmecologists focus on. The answer is “ANTS,” which are social insects that live in organized colonies and exhibit a wide variety of behaviors and adaptations.
9 Exam for future residents: Abbr. : MCAT
This clue is asking for the name of an exam that future residents (doctors in training) must take. The answer is “MCAT,” which stands for the Medical College Admission Test. This exam is a standardized test used in the United States and Canada to assess applicants’ readiness for medical school.
10 Physiological humor believed to cause sluggishness : PHLEGM
This clue is asking for the name of a bodily fluid that was once believed to be one of the four humors that regulate human health in ancient and medieval medicine. The answer is “PHLEGM,” which was believed to cause sluggishness, apathy, and a lack of energy when it was in excess.
11 Competitor : ENTRANT
This clue is asking for a word that means “competitor” or “contestant.” The answer is “ENTRANT,” which is a noun that refers to a person or team that enters a competition or contest.
12 Response during allergy season : GESUNDHEIT
This clue is asking for a word that might be used as a response to someone who sneezes during allergy season. The answer is “GESUNDHEIT,” which is a German word that translates to “health” or “wellness” in English. It is often used in English-speaking countries as a polite response to someone who sneezes.
13 Majestic : GRAND
This clue is asking for a word that means “majestic” or “impressive.” The answer is “GRAND,” which can be used to describe something that is magnificent or awe-inspiring, such as a grand piano, a grand canyon, or a grand ceremony.
14 Out of __ : SORTS
This clue is asking for a two-word phrase that means “not feeling well” or “not functioning properly.” The answer is “OUT OF SORTS,” which can be used to describe someone who is feeling irritable, moody, or generally unwell.
23 Like some change : LOOSE
This clue is asking for a word that describes the condition of some change, such as coins. The answer is “LOOSE,” which can be used to describe coins that are not tightly packed or organized, but rather scattered or jingling freely.
24 Cerulean kin : AQUA
This clue is asking for a word that is similar in meaning to “cerulean,” which is a shade of blue that is bright and clear. The answer is “AQUA,” which is also a shade of blue, but tends to be lighter and more subdued than cerulean. Aqua can also be used to describe the color of water.
25 Calvin’s increasingly outrageous snow art, in “Calvin and Hobbes,” e.g. : RUNNING GAG
This clue is asking for a phrase that describes a recurring joke or theme in the comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes.” The answer is “RUNNING GAG,” which refers to the ongoing storyline of Calvin’s snow art, which becomes increasingly elaborate and surreal throughout the series.
27 Objects : ITEMS
This clue is asking for a general term for things or objects. The answer is “ITEMS,” which can be used to describe a collection of various objects, such as items in a shopping cart, items on a to-do list, or items for sale at a store.
28 Baby ailment : COLIC
This clue is asking for a common ailment that affects babies. The answer is “COLIC,” which is a condition characterized by excessive crying, fussiness, and discomfort in young infants. The cause of colic is not entirely understood, but it is thought to be related to digestive issues or other discomforts that babies experience during the early months of life.
29 Pet for Harley Quinn : HYENA
This clue is referencing the character of Harley Quinn, who is a comic book and movie character associated with the Batman franchise. In some versions of the story, Harley Quinn is depicted as having a pet hyena named after her former boss, the Joker. Hyenas are wild carnivorous animals that are native to Africa and Asia, and they are known for their distinctive laughter-like vocalizations and powerful jaws.
30 Ego Nwodim’s show, for short : SNL
This clue is referencing the comedy television show “Saturday Night Live,” which airs on the NBC network. Ego Nwodim is a comedian and writer who joined the cast of SNL in 2018, and has since become a popular performer on the show. SNL features a rotating cast of comedians who perform sketch comedy and parody skits based on current events and pop culture.
31 Journalist Cornish : AUDIE
This clue is referencing the journalist and radio host Audie Cornish, who is known for her work on National Public Radio (NPR). Cornish has been a reporter and host on various NPR programs since 2006, and has covered a wide range of topics related to politics, culture, and social issues.
33 Italian volcano : ETNA
This clue is asking for the name of a famous volcano located in Italy. The answer is “ETNA,” which is a large and active volcano situated on the east coast of the island of Sicily. Etna is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, and has a long history of eruptions and seismic activity. Despite its volatility, Etna is also a popular tourist destination and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
34 Rule, for short : REG
This clue is asking for a shortened term for a “rule.” The answer is “REG,” which can be short for various terms that involve rules or regulations, such as “regulation,” “registration,” or “regular.”
37 Go for the bronze? : SUNBATHE
This clue is a play on words that is asking for an activity that involves “going for the bronze.” The answer is “SUNBATHE,” which is an activity that involves lying out in the sun to get a tan. In this context, “bronze” is a reference to the color that a tan can give to one’s skin.
40 Miranda whose case inspired the Miranda warning : ERNESTO
This clue is asking for the name of a person who was involved in a legal case that led to a landmark decision regarding the rights of criminal suspects. The answer is “ERNESTO Miranda,” who was the defendant in a 1966 U.S. Supreme Court case that established the requirement for law enforcement officers to inform suspects of their rights before questioning them. This requirement is known as the “Miranda warning.”
42 Place to pick up leaves : TEA SHOP
This clue is asking for a location where one might “pick up leaves.” The answer is “TEA SHOP,” which is a place where one can purchase and sample various types of tea leaves. In this context, “picking up leaves” refers to the act of selecting and purchasing tea leaves to take home and brew.
44 Pitches : SLOPES
This clue is asking for a word that can describe “pitches.” The answer is “SLOPES,” which can refer to various types of inclines or angles, such as the incline of a roof or the slope of a hill. In the context of baseball or other sports, “pitches” can refer to the way a ball is thrown or the angle of a playing field.
46 Gene dubbed the “Founding Father of the Modern Drum Set” by Modern Drummer : KRUPA
This clue is asking for the name of a person who is known as the “Founding Father of the Modern Drum Set.” The answer is “KRUPA,” which is a reference to Gene Krupa, a famous American jazz drummer who was a pioneer in the development of modern drumming techniques and equipment. Krupa is widely regarded as one of the most influential drummers of the 20th century.
47 Avid : EAGER
This clue is asking for a synonym for the word “avid.” The answer is “EAGER,” which can be used to describe a strong desire or enthusiasm for something. In this context, “avid” and “eager” both describe a person who is passionate or enthusiastic about a particular activity or pursuit.
49 Nobelist Sadat: ANWAR refers to Anwar Sadat, the former president of Egypt who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1978 along with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin for their efforts towards achieving peace in the Middle East.
52 African flower? : NILE refers to the Nile River, which is often referred to as the “River of Life” as it provides water to the surrounding areas, making it possible for flora and fauna to thrive.
53 Kazan with an honorary Oscar : ELIA
Elia Kazan, an American film and theatre director who received an honorary Academy Award in 1999 for his contributions to the art of film.
54 Flowerless plant : MOSS
Moss refers to a type of small, green plant that does not have flowers or seeds. Mosses grow in damp or shady areas and are commonly found in forests and on rocks.
55 Spike Lee’s “She __ Me” : HATE
Hate refers to the 1994 film “Crooklyn” directed by Spike Lee. The film follows the life of a young girl growing up in Brooklyn during the 1970s.
56 “Chocolat” actress : OLIN
Olin refers to Lena Olin, a Swedish actress who is known for her roles in films such as “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” “Chocolat,” and “The Ninth Gate.”
57 __ Point : WEST
West refers to West Point, a United States Military Academy located in New York. The academy was established in 1802 and provides education and training to future officers in the U.S. Army.