Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Tuesday April 25th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 American marsupial, familiarly: POSSUM
The answer to this clue is POSSUM, which is short for opossum. Opossums are the only marsupials that are native to North America. They are known for their pointy snouts, hairless ears, and long tails. They are also famous for “playing possum,” which means they play dead when threatened as a defense mechanism.
7 “__ Brute?”: ET TU
This clue is a quote from Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. In the play, Caesar is assassinated, and his friend Brutus is one of the conspirators. When Caesar sees Brutus among his attackers, he utters the famous line, “Et tu, Brute?” which means “Even you, Brutus?” in Latin. This phrase has since become a popular idiom to express betrayal.
11 Swimmer’s unit: LAP
In swimming, a lap is one complete length of the pool. It is measured from one end of the pool to the other and back again. In competitive swimming, races are often measured in laps, such as the 200-meter freestyle, which is eight laps in a standard 25-meter pool.
14 Military maneuvers?: SALUTES
The answer to this clue is SALUTES, which refers to the military gesture of raising a hand to the forehead as a sign of respect or greeting. Salutes are an important part of military culture, and different branches of the military have their own specific salutes and protocols for when and how to salute.
16 Speckled horse: ROAN
A roan horse is a horse that has a coat with a mixture of white and colored hairs, giving it a speckled or mottled appearance. Roan horses are popular in western riding and are often used as ranch horses or for trail riding.
17 Rideshare driver’s guess: ETA
ETA stands for estimated time of arrival, which is the time that a rideshare driver estimates they will arrive at the passenger’s location. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft use GPS technology to calculate ETAs based on traffic and other factors, and they provide passengers with real-time updates on their driver’s location and estimated arrival time.
18 Slopes accessory: SKI MASK
A ski mask is a type of face mask that is worn to protect the face and head from the cold and wind while skiing or snowboarding. It covers the entire head, leaving only the eyes, nose, and mouth exposed. Ski masks are also sometimes called balaclavas, after the town of Balaklava in Ukraine, where soldiers in the Crimean War wore similar headgear.
19 French pals: AMIS
This clue is looking for a French word that means “pals” or “friends.” The answer is “amis,” which is the plural form of the French word for “friend,” “ami.”
20 Oinker’s pen: STY
This clue is looking for a word that means “oinker’s pen,” or the place where a pig might live. The answer is “sty,” which is a small enclosure or shelter for pigs.
21 Autocorrect target: TYPO
This clue is looking for a word that might be affected by autocorrect, which is a feature on many devices that attempts to correct spelling errors. The answer is “typo,” which is short for “typographical error,” or a mistake made while typing.
22 Online store icon: CART
This clue is looking for a word that represents an icon on an online store. The answer is “cart,” which is short for “shopping cart.” It’s the icon that allows you to add items to your virtual cart while shopping online.
24 TV collie: LASSIE
This clue is looking for the name of a famous TV collie, a breed of dog known for being loyal and intelligent. The answer is “Lassie,” which was the name of a fictional collie who starred in a popular TV show of the same name.
26 Inauguration text: OATH OF OFFICE
This clue is looking for a phrase that is often spoken at an inauguration ceremony. The answer is “oath of office,” which is a solemn promise made by a person who is taking on a new official role, such as a president or a judge.
28 “Searching for Italy” host Tucci: STANLEY
This clue is looking for the first name of the host of the TV show “Searching for Italy.” The answer is “Stanley,” and the full name of the host is Stanley Tucci. He is an American actor, writer, and producer who has also hosted other food-related TV shows.
31 Stackable cookies: OREOS
This clue is looking for a brand of cookie that is known for being stackable. The answer is “Oreos,” which are round chocolate sandwich cookies with a sweet cream filling. They are a popular snack food and have been around since 1912.
32 Bagel-shaped: TORIC
This clue is looking for a word that describes a shape similar to that of a bagel. The answer is “toric,” which is a term used in mathematics and optics to describe a shape that is round with a hole in the middle, similar to that of a bagel or a donut.
33 Jog: TROT
This clue is looking for a word that means to jog or run at a moderate pace. The answer is “trot,” which is a slower and steadier pace than running. It’s often used to describe the gait of horses or other four-legged animals.
35 X-ray kin: MRI
This clue is looking for a type of medical imaging that is similar to an X-ray. The answer is “MRI,” which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Unlike X-rays, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the inside of the body.
38 Baha Men hit single: WHO LET THE DOGS OUT
This clue is looking for the title of a popular song by the Baha Men, a Bahamian band. The answer is “Who Let the Dogs Out,” which was released in 2000 and became a worldwide hit. It’s a fun, upbeat song that is often played at sporting events and parties.
43 Alley-__ pass: OOP
This clue is looking for a type of pass that is often used in basketball. The answer is “oop,” which is short for “alley-oop.” It’s a type of pass where one player throws the ball up near the rim, and another player jumps up to catch it and score a basket in one fluid motion.
44 Unsubtle actors: HAMS
This clue is looking for a word that describes actors who are not subtle in their performances. The answer is “hams,” which is a term used to describe actors who overact or exaggerate their movements and dialogue. It’s often used in a somewhat derogatory way to describe actors who are seen as being too theatrical or attention-seeking.
45 Buenos __ : AIRES
This clue is looking for the name of the capital city of Argentina. The answer is “Aires,” and the full name of the city is “Buenos Aires.” It is the largest city in Argentina and one of the largest in South America, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and European-inspired architecture.
46 One on the Pacific Crest Trail, say : HIKER
This clue is looking for a person who might be found on the Pacific Crest Trail, which is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from the US-Mexico border in California to the US-Canada border in Washington. The answer is “hiker,” which is a term used to describe someone who goes on hikes or walks in the outdoors.
49 Revolved around : ORBITED
This clue is looking for a term used to describe something that revolves or moves around something else. The answer is “orbited,” which is a term used in astronomy to describe the way planets, moons, and other celestial bodies move around their central star or planet.
52 Dystopian thriller starring Charlton Heston : SOYLENT GREEN
This clue is looking for the title of a dystopian movie that starred Charlton Heston. The answer is “Soylent Green,” which was released in 1973 and is set in a future where overpopulation and pollution have led to a food shortage. The movie is known for its shocking twist ending.
55 Get started on, as a problem : TACKLE
This clue is looking for a word that means to begin working on a problem or challenge. The answer is “tackle,” which is a term used to describe the act of taking on a difficult task or situation with determination and persistence.
56 Ear-related : OTIC
This clue is looking for a word that relates to the ear. The answer is “otic,” which is a term used in anatomy and medicine to describe the structures and functions of the ear.
57 Border : EDGE
This clue is looking for a word that means the outer boundary or limit of something. The answer is “edge,” which can refer to the boundary between two areas or the limit of a surface or object. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the limit of a person’s ability or tolerance.
61 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup champs : USA – This clue is looking for the winner of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is a global soccer tournament that is held every four years. The answer is “USA,” which stands for the United States of America. The US women’s national soccer team won the 2019 tournament, defeating the Netherlands in the final.
62 Airbnb alternative : VRBO – This clue is looking for an alternative to Airbnb, which is a popular online platform for booking vacation rentals. The answer is “VRBO,” which stands for Vacation Rental By Owner. It is a similar platform that allows property owners to list and rent out their homes or vacation properties to travelers.
64 Ad campaign featuring white mustaches, and a hint to the starts of the answers to 18-, 26-, 38-, and 52-Across : GOT MILK? – This clue is not looking for an answer per se, but rather a slogan that is related to the puzzle theme. “Got Milk?” is a famous advertising campaign that was launched in the 1990s to promote the consumption of cow’s milk. The campaign featured celebrities and athletes with white mustaches, and the slogan “Got Milk?” became a cultural phenomenon. In this puzzle, the starts of the answers to clues 18-, 26-, 38-, and 52-Across all relate to different types of milk or milk products.
66 Put down : DIS – This clue is looking for a word that means to criticize or speak negatively about someone or something. The answer is “dis,” which is a slang term that is often used in casual conversation or online communication. It can also be used as a verb meaning to insult or disrespect someone.
67 Currier and __ : IVES
This clue is looking for two names that are often linked together. The answer is “Ives,” which refers to James Ives, the business partner of the American lithographer Nathaniel Currier. Together, Currier and Ives created a famous printing firm in the mid-1800s that produced high-quality prints of American life and landscapes.
68 “Forget it!” : NO SIREE
This clue is looking for a phrase that means “absolutely not” or “not at all.” The answer is “no siree,” which is an informal expression that is often used in spoken language. It is a variation of “no sir,” which is a respectful way to say “no” to someone in authority.
69 Chicago-to-Orlando dir. : SSE
This clue is looking for a compass direction that would lead from Chicago to Orlando. The answer is “SSE,” which stands for south-southeast. This direction would point roughly halfway between south and southeast and would lead you in the general direction of Florida.
70 State bird of Hawaii : NENE
This clue is looking for the official bird of the US state of Hawaii. The answer is the “nene,” which is a species of goose that is native to Hawaii. The nene is a small bird with brown and white feathers, and it is known for its distinctive honking call.
71 Holiday treats served with applesauce : LATKES
This clue is looking for a type of food that is often served during a holiday celebration. The answer is “latkes,” which are a type of potato pancake that are traditionally served during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Latkes are made by grating potatoes and onion, mixing them with flour and eggs, and frying the mixture in oil until crispy. They are often served with applesauce or sour cream.
DOWN
1 Attention-getting hiss : PSST
This clue is looking for a sound that is often used to get someone’s attention. The answer is “psst,” which is an exclamation that is typically whispered or hissed. It is often used to signal someone to be quiet or to get their attention without drawing too much notice.
2 Like wine aged in certain barrels : OAKY
This clue is looking for a word that describes the flavor or aroma of wine that has been aged in oak barrels. The answer is “oaky,” which is a term used to describe a wine that has taken on some of the characteristics of the oak wood. Oak barrels can impart flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toast, among others, to the wine.
3 __ of the tongue : SLIP
This clue is looking for a phrase that describes the act of unintentionally saying something wrong or inappropriate. The answer is “slip of the tongue,” which is an expression that refers to a mistake made in speaking. It is often used to describe situations where someone says something unintentionally, such as when they misspeak or say something they did not mean to say.
4 Japanese wrestling form : SUMO
This clue is looking for a traditional Japanese sport that involves two wrestlers trying to force each other out of a circular ring. The answer is “sumo,” which is a type of wrestling that has been practiced in Japan for centuries. Sumo wrestlers are known for their large size and strength, and the sport is steeped in tradition and ritual.
5 The NBA’s Jazz, on scoreboards : UTA
This clue is looking for the three-letter abbreviation used to represent the NBA team from Salt Lake City, Utah. The answer is “UTA,” which stands for the Utah Jazz. The team was originally founded in New Orleans in 1974, and they moved to Salt Lake City in 1979. The name “Jazz” was kept, even though Salt Lake City is not particularly known for its jazz music.
6 Smoky liquor made from agave : MESCAL
This clue is looking for a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from the agave plant. The answer is “mescal,” which is a traditional Mexican spirit that is similar to tequila, but with a smokier flavor. Mescal is made by roasting the heart of the agave plant, called the “piña,” in a pit oven, then crushing and fermenting the resulting juice before distilling it.
7 Muse of poetry : ERATO
This clue is looking for the name of one of the nine Muses, the goddesses of inspiration in Greek mythology. The answer is “Erato,” who is the Muse of love poetry and lyric poetry. She was often depicted holding a lyre, a musical instrument associated with poetry and song.
8 Celebrity chef Colicchio : TOM
This clue is looking for the first name of a famous chef who is known for his appearances on cooking shows such as “Top Chef.” The answer is “Tom,” which refers to Tom Colicchio. Colicchio is a James Beard Award-winning chef who is also a judge on the popular reality TV show “Top Chef.”
9 Customize for : TAILOR TO
This clue is looking for a phrase that means to modify something to fit a specific person or situation. The answer is “tailor to,” which is a verb phrase that means to adjust or modify something to meet a particular set of requirements or preferences. This can apply to things like clothing, services, or products.
10 Treacherous : UNSAFE
This clue is looking for a word that describes a situation or condition that is dangerous or risky. The answer is “unsafe,” which is a term that can be used to describe anything that poses a threat to someone’s health, safety, or well-being. This can refer to physical hazards like sharp objects or unstable structures, as well as non-physical dangers like scams or fraud.
11 “You’re trying too hard” : LESS IS MORE
This clue is looking for a phrase that suggests that sometimes, simplicity can be more effective than complexity. The answer is “less is more,” which is an expression that means that something that is simple or minimalistic can be more impactful than something that is complex or ornate.
12 Scary story? : ATTIC
This clue is looking for a word that can be used to describe a type of story that is often associated with horror or fear. The answer is “attic,” which is a place that is often used as a setting for scary stories. Attics are often depicted as dark, dusty, and full of mysterious objects, which can make them seem eerie and unsettling.
13 Venmo recipient : PAYEE
This clue is looking for a term that refers to the person who receives a payment through the Venmo app. The answer is “payee,” which is a term that is commonly used in finance to refer to someone who is receiving a payment or transfer of funds.
15 Enjoy the roller rink : SKATE
This clue is looking for a verb that describes the action of participating in a popular recreational activity that involves rolling around on a pair of shoes with wheels attached. The answer is “skate,” which is a word that can refer to both the activity of roller skating as well as the equipment used to participate in it.
23 Part of R&B : RHYTHM
This clue is looking for a part of a popular music genre known as R&B, which stands for rhythm and blues. The answer is “rhythm,” which refers to the element of music that provides the beat or pulse that underlies a song’s melody and harmony.
25 Bay Area hub, for short : SFO
This clue is looking for an abbreviation that refers to a major airport located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The answer is “SFO,” which stands for San Francisco International Airport. SFO is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major transportation hub for the Bay Area.
26 __ in a blue moon : ONCE
This clue is looking for a phrase that describes a rare occurrence or event. The answer is “once in a blue moon,” which is an idiomatic expression that means something that happens very infrequently or rarely.
27 Comestibles : FOOD
This clue is looking for a term that refers to items that are consumed as sustenance. The answer is “food,” which can refer to anything that is eaten or drank for nourishment, including fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and beverages.
28 NYC nabe near Little Italy : SOHO
This clue is looking for the name of a neighborhood located in New York City that is situated near the famous Little Italy district. The answer is “Soho,” which stands for “South of Houston Street.” Soho is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and nightlife, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
29 Place to store cups and bowls? : TROPHY CASE
This clue is a play on words that is looking for a term that refers to a display case typically used for storing or showcasing trophies. The answer is “trophy case,” which is a cabinet or enclosure used to display awards or other memorabilia. The clue is making a pun by suggesting that cups and bowls (which are typically used for eating or drinking) could be stored in a “trophy case” (which is typically used for storing awards or other objects of value).
30 Feel unwell : AIL
This clue is looking for a verb that describes the feeling of being unwell or sick. The answer is “ail,” which is a term that can refer to any number of physical or mental discomforts, including pain, nausea, fatigue, or anxiety.
32 Pair : TWO
This crossword clue refers to the number two. It is a simple and straightforward answer.
34 Vacation spot : RESORT
A resort is a place where people go to relax, unwind, and have fun. Resorts often have amenities like swimming pools, spas, golf courses, and restaurants. They are usually located in scenic or exotic locations and are popular vacation destinations.
36 Regretted : RUED
To rue something is to feel regret or remorse for it. This crossword clue suggests that the answer is a past tense verb meaning “regretted”.
37 “__ go time!” : IT’S
This expression is used to indicate that it is time to act or get started on something. It is often used in sports or other competitive situations to motivate players.
39 “I can’t believe they did that!” : THE NERVE
This is an exclamation of disbelief and indignation in response to someone’s audacity or impudence. It suggests that someone has crossed a boundary or violated a social norm in a bold or brazen way.
40 Like Key lime pie : TART
Key lime pie is a dessert made with Key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk in a pie crust. It is known for its tart and tangy flavor.
41 Acquire : GAIN
To gain something is to acquire or obtain it. This crossword clue suggests that the answer is a verb meaning “to acquire”.
42 Word often said while holding a treat : SIT
This crossword clue is related to dog training. “Sit” is a basic command that is taught to dogs, often with the help of a treat. When a dog sits, it is usually rewarded with a treat or praise.
47 Kind : ILK
“Ilk” is a noun that means “type” or “kind”. This crossword clue suggests that the answer is a word meaning “kind”.
48 Temperature unit : KELVIN
The Kelvin is a unit of temperature that is used in scientific and engineering contexts. It is based on the absolute scale of temperature, where 0 Kelvin (K) is equal to absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases.
50 1952-2022, for Queen Elizabeth II : REIGN
This crossword clue refers to the period during which Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of the United Kingdom. Her reign began on February 6, 1952, after the death of her father, King George VI, and is set to end upon her death or abdication.
51 “Don’t embarrass me” : BE COOL
This is a phrase that is often used to tell someone to remain calm or composed in a potentially embarrassing or awkward situation. It suggests that the person should avoid drawing attention to themselves or making a scene.
52 Small earrings : STUDS
“Studs” are a type of earring that consists of a small, often round, piece of jewelry that sits on the earlobe. They are simple and understated, and can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, gemstones, and plastic.
53 Fertile desert spot : OASIS
An oasis is a small, fertile area in the middle of a desert, often surrounding a source of water like a spring or well. Oases are important for their ability to support plant and animal life in otherwise inhospitable environments. They have been important to human civilizations throughout history as sources of water, food, and shelter.
54 Bird in a gaggle : GOOSE
A gaggle is a group of geese on the ground or in flight. The term “goose” specifically refers to a female goose, while a male goose is called a “gander”.
57 Let off : EMIT
To “emit” means to give off or release something, often referring to a gas, smell, or sound.
58 NBA great Nowitzki : DIRK
Dirk Nowitzki is a retired German professional basketball player who spent his entire career with the Dallas Mavericks. He is widely considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history.
59 Mirth : GLEE
“Mirth” and “glee” both refer to feelings of happiness or joy. “Glee” can also refer to a type of music or a popular musical TV show.
60 Squeezes (out) : EKES
To “eke out” something means to obtain it with difficulty, often with a small margin. For example, a farmer might eke out a living from a small plot of land.
63 Actor Kingsley : BEN
Sir Ben Kingsley is a British actor known for his versatile and critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Gandhi”, “Schindler’s List”, “Sexy Beast”, and “House of Sand and Fog”. He has won an Academy Award, a Grammy Award, and a BAFTA Award for his work.
65 Airport safety gp. : TSA
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring the security of the nation’s transportation systems, including airports, bus and train stations, and ports. The TSA screens passengers and their belongings for prohibited items, such as weapons or explosives, and uses various security measures to prevent acts of terrorism.
