Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Thursday April 13th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Peppermint __ : TEA
This clue is asking for a two-word answer that ends with the word “tea” and has something to do with peppermint. The most common answer to this clue is “Peppermint Tea.” Peppermint tea is a popular herbal tea made by steeping fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water. It is known for its refreshing and soothing properties, and is often used to aid digestion and relieve nausea.
4 Float (in) : WAFT
This clue is asking for a four-letter word that means “float” and starts with the letters “wa.” The answer to this clue is “waft.” To waft means to float or drift through the air, typically due to a current of air or a light breeze. For example, the scent of freshly baked bread might waft through the air, or a piece of paper might waft gently to the ground.
8 Dangerous nestful : WASPS
This clue is asking for a plural noun that refers to a group of dangerous insects that build nests. The answer to this clue is “wasps.” Wasps are a type of flying insect that belong to the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. They are known for their painful stings and aggressive behavior, and some species of wasps can be dangerous to humans.
13 Circle section : ARC
This clue is asking for a three-letter word that refers to a section of a circle. The answer to this clue is “arc.” An arc is a portion of a circle’s circumference, defined by two endpoints and the arc itself. For example, the arc of a rainbow is the portion of the circle that is visible in the sky.
14 Uttar Pradesh city : AGRA
This clue is asking for the name of a city located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The answer to this clue is “Agra.” Agra is known for its stunning Mughal-era architecture, including the Taj Mahal, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The city also has a rich history and cultural heritage, and is a popular tourist destination.
15 Bakery-cafe chain : PANERA
This clue is asking for the name of a popular bakery-cafe chain in the United States. The answer to this clue is “Panera.” Panera Bread is a chain of cafes that specializes in fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. The company was founded in 1987 in St. Louis, Missouri, and has since grown to over 2,000 locations in the United States and Canada.
16 “Not in public, you two!” : GET A ROOM
This clue is asking for a four-word phrase that someone might say to a couple who is displaying affection in public. The answer to this clue is “Get a room.” This phrase is often used humorously to suggest that the couple should take their affection elsewhere, such as a private room or space. It can also be used more seriously to express disapproval or discomfort with public displays of affection.
18 Longtime bud: OLD PAL
The clue “longtime bud” is referring to a friend who has been around for a while. “Old” is used to emphasize the duration of the friendship. “Pal” is a casual term for a friend. So, “old pal” is a term for a long-standing friend.
19 Loops in, in a way: CCS
The clue “loops in, in a way” is referring to the act of including someone in a conversation or decision-making process. “CCs” is an abbreviation for “carbon copies,” which is a term that originates from the pre-digital era of paper correspondence. To “CC” someone on an email or letter means to send them a copy of the message that is also being sent to other recipients. In this context, “loops in” could be interpreted as a synonym for “CCs,” as both involve including someone in a communication.
20 Nina Simone’s “I Put a __ on You”: SPELL
The missing word in this clue is “spell.” “I Put a Spell on You” is a classic blues song originally written and performed by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins in 1956. Nina Simone also recorded a version of the song in 1965, which has become one of her most famous recordings. The song is about the power of love to cast a spell on the singer’s object of affection.
22 Bygone airline: TWA
“TWA” is an abbreviation for “Trans World Airlines,” which was a major American airline that operated from 1930 until 2001. At its peak in the 1960s, TWA was one of the largest and most well-known airlines in the world, with a fleet of hundreds of planes and routes that spanned the globe.
23 Romanov dynast: TSAR
“Tsar” (also spelled “czar”) is a term that was used to refer to the rulers of Russia from the 16th to the early 20th century. The Romanov dynasty was the last imperial dynasty to rule Russia, with the reign of Tsar Nicholas II coming to an end in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. The term “tsar” is derived from the Latin word “caesar,” which was the title given to the rulers of the Roman Empire.
25 Spot to catch a ride: TAXI STAND
A “taxi stand” is a designated location where taxis wait to pick up passengers. They are typically found in busy areas such as airports, train stations, and city centers, where there is a high demand for transportation services. Passengers can go to a taxi stand and hail a taxi to take them to their destination.
27 Clothes line: INSEAM
The “inseam” is a measurement that refers to the length of the inner seam of a pair of pants, running from the crotch to the hem of the pant leg. It is an important measurement for determining the proper fit of pants, especially for men’s dress pants or tailored trousers. In a crossword puzzle, “clothes line” could be interpreted as a clue for a variety of clothing-related terms, but “inseam” is a common answer that fits the definition.
Sure, here’s more information on each of these crossword clues and answers:
30 Regarding : AS TO
“As to” is a phrase that means “with regard to” or “concerning.” It’s often used to introduce a new topic or to clarify a particular point. For example, “As to your question about the schedule, we will be meeting at 2 PM tomorrow.”
31 Lucy of “Elementary” : LIU
Lucy Liu is an American actress and artist who is best known for her roles in movies and TV shows such as “Kill Bill,” “Charlie’s Angels,” and “Elementary.” In “Elementary,” she played the character of Joan Watson, a former surgeon who becomes a partner and assistant to the show’s lead character, Sherlock Holmes.
32 Schlocky stuff : KITSCH
Kitsch is a term used to describe art, objects, or other items that are considered to be of low quality, tasteless, or overly sentimental. Examples of kitschy items might include gaudy home decor, tacky souvenirs, or cheaply-made jewelry.
35 “Curses!” : FIE!
“Fie” is an archaic interjection that is used to express disapproval, scorn, or outrage. It’s similar in meaning to “nonsense!” or “balderdash!” and is often used in a theatrical or melodramatic context.
38 Skydiving event : PARACHUTE JUMP
A parachute jump is an activity in which a person jumps from a high altitude while wearing a parachute that allows them to float safely to the ground. Parachute jumps can be done for fun or as part of a military or rescue operation.
41 “Mr. Blue Sky” gp. : ELO
The Electric Light Orchestra, also known as ELO, was a British rock band that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The band was known for their fusion of rock, pop, and classical music, and their hits included songs such as “Mr. Blue Sky,” “Don’t Bring Me Down,” and “Livin’ Thing.”
42 Ride-hitching fish : REMORA
A remora is a type of fish that is known for its ability to attach itself to the bodies of larger marine animals, such as sharks, whales, and sea turtles. The remora uses a sucker-like organ on its head to attach itself to the host animal, which allows it to hitch a ride and travel more easily through the water.
43 Card worth four points in bridge : ACE
In the game of bridge, the ace is the highest-ranking card in each suit. It is worth four points and is usually considered to be the most valuable card in the deck.
45 Cambodia neighbor : LAOS
Laos is a country located in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand to the west, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and China to the north. Its capital and largest city is Vientiane.
47 Peace in the Middle East : SHALOM
Shalom is a Hebrew word that means “peace” or “peaceful.” It is often used as a greeting or farewell among Jewish people and is also used as a general term for peace in the Middle East.
49 Safety device in some kitchens : CHILD LOCK
A child lock is a safety device that is designed to prevent children from accessing potentially dangerous items or areas. In some kitchens, child locks may be used to secure cabinets or drawers that contain sharp objects, cleaning supplies, or other hazardous materials.
54 Part in four-part harmony : ALTO
In four-part harmony, the alto is the second-highest voice part, typically sung by women. It is also sometimes called the contralto.
55 Flying Solo? : HAN
“Han” is a reference to the Star Wars character Han Solo, who is known for being a skilled pilot and frequently flying his ship, the Millennium Falcon, solo.
56 “Glass Onion” star Janelle : MONAE
Janelle Monae is an American singer, songwriter, and actress who is known for her genre-bending music and her eclectic fashion sense. She has released several critically acclaimed albums, including “The ArchAndroid” and “Dirty Computer,” and has also appeared in films such as “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight.” “Glass Onion” is a song by The Beatles, not a star.
57 Bauxite or hematite : ORE
Ore is a natural material that contains a valuable mineral or metal that can be extracted for use. Bauxite is a type of ore that is used to make aluminum, while hematite is an iron ore that is often used in steel production.
58 23-Across’s realm : RUSSIA
This clue is referencing an earlier clue, which is not provided in this list of clues. However, assuming that the earlier clue was “country that borders Norway and China,” the answer would be Russia. Russia is a vast country that stretches across much of eastern Europe and northern Asia, with a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and ethnic groups.
60 Travel the world with one bag, and what can be found in this puzzle’s circled letters? : BACKPACK
This clue is a cryptic one that requires some interpretation. The answer is “backpack,” which is a type of bag that is designed to be worn on one’s back, typically while traveling or hiking. The “circled letters” in the puzzle likely refer to letters that are arranged in a circular pattern within the puzzle, which can be rearranged or unscrambled to spell out words related to backpacking or travel.
64 Entry-level position : INTERN
An intern is a person who works in an organization, typically in a low-level or entry-level position, in order to gain experience or learn new skills. Interns may be students or recent graduates, and they may work in a variety of fields, including business, medicine, law, and journalism.
65 Part of A.D. : ANNO
“Anno” is a Latin word that means “in the year of.” In the context of dates, it is often used as an abbreviation for “Anno Domini,” which means “in the year of our Lord” and is used to refer to the years after the birth of Jesus Christ. For example, A.D. 2023 refers to the year 2023 in the Christian calendar.
66 Sushi spheres : ROE
Roe is a type of fish eggs that is often used as a topping or ingredient in sushi. It comes in a variety of colors and flavors, depending on the type of fish from which it is harvested. Some popular types of roe used in sushi include salmon roe, tobiko (flying fish roe), and ikura (salmon roe).
67 Clinton’s former department : STATE
This clue is referencing Hillary Clinton, who served as the United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama. The Department of State is a federal executive department responsible for U.S. foreign policy and international relations, and the Secretary of State is one of the highest-ranking members of the President’s cabinet.
68 Blockhead : LUNK
A lunk is a slang term that is used to describe a person who is stupid, clumsy, or awkward. It is often used as an insult or derogatory term.
69 Hog heaven : STY
A sty is a small enclosure or pen that is used to house pigs. It is often made of wood or concrete and may be located indoors or outdoors. The phrase “hog heaven” is a colloquialism that is used to describe a state of great happiness or contentment, as if one were surrounded by delicious food and comfortable surroundings, like a pig in a sty.
DOWN
1 Playground game that is now a professional sport : TAG
Tag is a game that is typically played by children on a playground or in a park. It involves one person (“it”) chasing after and trying to touch the other players, who must then try to avoid being tagged. In recent years, tag has also become a popular sport among adults, with organized leagues and competitions.
2 Afore : ERE
Ere is an archaic word that means “before” or “previously.” It is often used in literature or poetry to give a sense of antiquity or old-fashionedness.
3 “Just pretend we belong here” : ACT CASUAL
This clue is a phrase that could be spoken in a variety of contexts, but it generally means to behave in a natural, unassuming manner in order to blend in with one’s surroundings or to avoid drawing attention to oneself. In some situations, such as sneaking into a party or a restricted area, acting casual may be a way of avoiding suspicion or detection.
4 Conflicts in history class : WARS
Wars are large-scale conflicts between nations, groups, or factions that are fought using military forces and weapons. They are often studied in history classes as important events that have shaped the course of human history.
5 “Four score and seven years __ … ” : AGO
This quote is from Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, which he delivered on November 19, 1863, at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The phrase “four score and seven years ago” refers to 87 years prior to the time of the speech, which would have been 1776, the year of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
6 “After Apple-Picking” poet : FROST
Robert Frost was an American poet who lived from 1874 to 1963. He is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential poets of the 20th century, known for his lyrical, often melancholy poems that capture the beauty and mystery of nature and the human experience. “After Apple-Picking” is one of Frost’s most famous poems, first published in 1914.
7 Florida’s third-largest city : TAMPA
Tampa is a city located on the western coast of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. With a population of over 400,000 people, it is the third-largest city in Florida, after Jacksonville and Miami. Tampa is known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions, including the Florida Aquarium and the Museum of Science and Industry.
8 NYC stretch originally called “Het Cingel” by the Dutch : WALL ST
Wall Street is a street in lower Manhattan in New York City, known as the financial capital of the world. It is home to the New York Stock Exchange and numerous other financial institutions and businesses. The street was originally called “de Waal Straat” by the Dutch when they founded New Amsterdam in the early 17th century. The name was eventually anglicized to “Wall Street” and has since become synonymous with the world of finance and business.
9 Furthermore : AND
Furthermore is an adverb that means “in addition” or “moreover.” It is often used to connect ideas or information that follow on from what has already been said, in order to provide further details or support for a point.
10 Heart dividers : SEPTA
Septa is the term used to describe the partitions or walls that divide the chambers of the heart. The heart has four chambers: the left and right atria and the left and right ventricles. These chambers are separated by septa, which help to keep blood flowing in the correct direction through the heart.
11 Langoustine : PRAWN
Langoustine is a term used to describe a type of shellfish that is similar to a prawn or a small lobster. It is typically found in European waters, especially in the Mediterranean, and is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Langoustines are often served in fine dining restaurants and are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor.
12 Caesar __ : SALAD
Caesar salad is a popular type of salad that typically includes romaine lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, and a dressing made with anchovies, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The salad is named after Caesar Cardini, an Italian-American restaurateur who is said to have created the dish in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s.
15 Buffers : POLISHERS
Buffers are tools or machines that are used to polish or shine surfaces, such as floors, cars, or metal objects. They typically use spinning pads or brushes to apply abrasive materials or cleaning solutions to the surface being polished, helping to remove dirt, stains, or scratches and leave the surface looking shiny and smooth.
17 43,560 square feet : ACRE
An acre is a unit of measurement used to describe land area, typically used in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is equal to 43,560 square feet, or about 4,047 square meters. The acre is commonly used to measure the area of farmland or other large parcels of land.
21 Precise, in Peru : EXACTO
Exacto is a Spanish word that means “exact” or “precise.” It is often used to describe something that is accurate or correct to the smallest detail. The word is commonly used in Peru, as well as in other Spanish-speaking countries.
23 “Voices Carry” pop group __ Tuesday : ‘TIL
‘Til Tuesday was a pop band that formed in Boston in 1982. The band is best known for their hit single “Voices Carry,” which was released in 1985 and reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band’s name was inspired by the fact that they often rehearsed on Tuesday nights, and the phrase “until Tuesday” became a kind of shorthand for their rehearsals.
24 Toss insults (at) : SNIPE
To snipe means to make a snide or insulting remark, often in a passive-aggressive way. The term is commonly used in the context of arguments or disagreements, where one person may try to undermine or belittle the other person with snarky comments or criticism.
26 Vegetarian staple : TOFU
Tofu is a soy-based food product that is commonly used as a meat substitute in vegetarian and vegan diets. It is made by curdling soy milk and pressing the resulting curds into blocks, which can be cooked in a variety of ways and used in place of meat in many dishes. Tofu is a good source of protein and is low in calories, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce their meat consumption.
28 Letters between names : AKA
AKA is an abbreviation that stands for “also known as.” It is commonly used to list alternative names or aliases for a person or organization, especially in legal or official documents.
29 Small amount of seed money : MICROLOAN
A microloan is a small loan, typically less than $50,000, that is made to individuals or small businesses with limited financial resources. Microloans are often used to help people start or expand small businesses, especially in developing countries where traditional sources of funding may be limited. Microloans can be an effective way to provide seed money for entrepreneurial ventures and can help to promote economic development and self-sufficiency.
33 Holy Trinity member : THE SON
In Christian theology, the Holy Trinity refers to the threefold nature of God, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “The Son” refers to Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the second person of the Trinity and the only begotten Son of God.
34 Bottom line amount : SUM
The bottom line amount refers to the total amount of something, often in a financial context. It is the final figure after all calculations have been made and all costs and expenses have been accounted for.
36 “Tell me!” : I’M ALL EARS
“I’m all ears” is a phrase that means “I’m listening attentively” or “Tell me everything.” It is often used to express eagerness or interest in what someone else has to say.
37 Spaceship Earth theme park : EPCOT
EPCOT is a theme park located in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. The name EPCOT stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, and the park was originally envisioned by Walt Disney as a kind of living laboratory where people could experience and learn about technology, innovation, and the future.
39 $10 worth of quarters, e.g. : ROLL
A roll of quarters is a paper wrapper containing 40 quarters, which is equal to $10. Rolls of quarters are commonly used for transactions that require exact change, such as vending machines, laundromats, and parking meters.
40 God, in Rastafarianism : JAH
Jah is a name for God that is used in Rastafarianism, a religion that originated in Jamaica in the 1930s. Rastafarians believe in the divinity of Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, who they believe is the reincarnation of Jesus Christ, and they use the term “Jah” as a way of referring to God or the divine spirit.
44 Fall Out Boy genre : EMO
Fall Out Boy is an American rock band that formed in 2001. They are often associated with the emo genre, which is a style of rock music characterized by emotional lyrics, confessional songwriting, and introspective themes. Emo music became popular in the 2000s and is often associated with youth culture and subcultures like punk and goth.
46 Esteem : ADMIRE
To esteem someone means to hold them in high regard or to admire them for their qualities or achievements. Esteem can refer to respect, admiration, or a favorable opinion of someone or something.
48 Org. founded by Ethel Percy Andrus : AARP
AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons, a nonprofit organization founded by Ethel Percy Andrus in 1958 to provide advocacy, benefits, and services for people aged 50 and over.
49 “Wicked Game” singer Isaak : CHRIS
Chris Isaak is an American musician, singer, and actor, best known for his hit song “Wicked Game” from his third studio album “Heart Shaped World” released in 1989.
50 Weigh on : HAUNT
To “haunt” someone means to trouble, worry or weigh on their mind, often with a sense of guilt, regret or fear.
51 The ‘gram : INSTA
“The ‘gram” is a slang term for Instagram, a social media platform that allows users to share photos, videos, and messages with their followers.
52 Scheming group : CABAL
A “cabal” refers to a group of people who work together secretly or conspiratorially to achieve a particular goal, often by means of intrigue and plotting.
53 Reeves of “Always Be My Maybe” : KEANU
Keanu Reeves is a Canadian actor, director, and producer, known for his roles in popular films such as “The Matrix” trilogy, “John Wick” series, and “Speed.” He also appeared in the 2019 Netflix romantic comedy “Always Be My Maybe” as a fictionalized version of himself.
57 “Fine! Yes!” : OK OK
“OK” is a widely used term to express agreement or acceptance of a situation, and doubling it for “OK OK” could be an emphasized or enthusiastic affirmation.
59 Prepared : SET
“Set” can mean to make preparations or arrangements for something, such as getting ready for an event or situation.
61 Fareed Zakaria’s channel : CNN
Fareed Zakaria is an Indian-American journalist, political commentator, and author, who hosts a weekly program on CNN called “Fareed Zakaria GPS”. CNN is a cable news network that covers news and current events from around the world.
62 Camp sight : COT
A “cot” is a portable, lightweight bed used for camping or sleeping outdoors, often made of a simple frame and canvas or nylon fabric.
63 Delete, e.g. : KEY
To “key” something means to enter or delete it by pressing a key or keys on a keyboard, as in typing text into a computer or deleting a file.