Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Friday April 7th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Home of the College World Series: OMAHA
Omaha is a city in the state of Nebraska, USA. It is known for being the home of the College World Series, which is an annual baseball tournament held in Omaha since 1950. The tournament features teams from across the United States and is the culmination of the college baseball season.
6 Many Chrome runners: PCS
PCS is an acronym for “personal computer systems”. In the context of the crossword clue, it refers to the many devices or machines that run the Google Chrome web browser, such as desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
9 Dog breed of Tokyo’s Hachiko statues: AKITA
The Akita is a large breed of dog that originated in the Akita Prefecture in Japan. The breed is known for its loyalty and courage, and is often used as a symbol of good fortune in Japan. One famous Akita was Hachiko, who waited at a train station in Tokyo for his owner every day, even after his owner passed away. A statue of Hachiko was erected in his honor at the train station, and it has become a popular tourist attraction.
14 Cars sold at auction: REPOS
“Repos” is short for “repossession,” which refers to vehicles that have been taken back by the bank or lender from their original owner due to missed payments or default on a loan. These vehicles are then typically sold at auction to recover some of the debt owed by the original owner.
15 Barrel wood: OAK
Oak is a type of wood commonly used in the construction of barrels, especially for aging wine and spirits. Oak barrels can impart flavors and aromas to the liquid stored inside, which can enhance the taste and quality of the final product.
16 Western Wyoming county: TETON
Teton County is a county located in western Wyoming, USA. It is home to Grand Teton National Park and the famous Teton Range, which includes several of the highest peaks in the Rocky Mountains.
17 Giddy: SLAPHAPPY
“Slaphappy” is a colloquial term that means to be giddy or euphoric, often as a result of fatigue or lack of sleep. It can also refer to a state of confusion or disorientation, as if one has been slapped in the head. In the context of the crossword clue, it means to be giddy or lightheaded.
19 Urban Dictionary content: SLANG
Answer: SLANG
Explanation: Urban Dictionary is an online dictionary that features user-generated content, including slang words and phrases. The term “slang” refers to a type of informal language that is often used in casual or colloquial settings.
20 “Big __” Delaney: “Sons of Anarchy” character: OTTO
“Big Otto” Delaney is a character in the television series “Sons of Anarchy.” He is a member of the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club and is played by actor Kurt Sutter, who also created the show.
21 Common toothbrush holder: CUP
A cup is a common household item used to hold a variety of liquids, including water, coffee, tea, and juice. In the context of this crossword clue, a cup is also a common item used to hold toothbrushes in bathrooms.
22 Pop music’s __ Vanilli: MILLI
Milli Vanilli was a German-French pop music duo that gained international success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The duo, consisting of Fab Morvan and Rob Pilatus, became infamous when it was revealed that they had not actually sung on their recordings, leading to the revocation of their Grammy Award.
23 Fritter-like side with fried catfish: HUSHPUPPY
A hushpuppy is a type of savory fried cornmeal ball that is commonly served as a side dish in the Southern United States. It is often served alongside fried catfish, as in this crossword clue.
25 Emblems: LOGOS
A logo is a graphic or symbol used to represent a company, organization, or brand. In the context of this crossword clue, “emblems” is a synonym for logos.
26 “Ditto”: ME TOO
“Ditto” is a term used to indicate agreement or confirmation of a previous statement. “Me too” is a common alternative expression with the same meaning.
27 “La La Land” Oscar nominee : RYAN GOSLING
“La La Land” is a 2016 American romantic musical comedy-drama film. The movie was directed by Damien Chazelle and starred Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the lead roles. Ryan Gosling played the role of Sebastian Wilder, a jazz pianist and aspiring musician. The film was nominated for a record-tying 14 Academy Awards and Ryan Gosling was nominated for the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for his performance.
28 __ milk : OAT Oat milk is a type of plant-based milk made from whole oats. It is a popular alternative to dairy milk and is used by people who are lactose intolerant or who choose to follow a vegan or plant-based diet. Oat milk is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste.
29 Recruit with arm-twisting : ROPE IN
“Rope in” is a phrase that means to persuade or convince someone to do something, often using cunning or deceitful means. In the context of recruitment, it refers to the act of convincing someone to join a group, organization, or team by using various tactics.
31 Butter used in saag paneer : GHEE
Ghee is a type of clarified butter that originated in India. It is made by heating butter until the water content evaporates and the milk solids separate from the fat. The resulting liquid is then strained to remove any remaining impurities. Ghee is commonly used in Indian cuisine, particularly in dishes such as saag paneer, a vegetarian dish made with spinach and paneer cheese.
35 Haggler’s concern : PRICE
A haggler is someone who negotiates over the price of goods or services. The concern of a haggler is the price they will ultimately pay for the item they are interested in buying. Haggling is a common practice in many cultures, particularly in markets and bazaars where prices are often negotiable.
37 Cupcake : HON
“Hon” is a term of endearment that is short for “honey.” It is often used as a nickname for a romantic partner or close friend.
38 Past potentates : TSARS
A “tsar” or “czar” was a title used for the emperor of Russia from 1547 until the Russian Revolution in 1917. The term is derived from the Latin word “caesar” and was used to signify the ruler’s absolute power and authority. Past potentates refer to the previous rulers or emperors who held this title in Russia’s history.
39 Qdoba snack : TACO
Qdoba is a Mexican fast-food chain that serves a variety of Tex-Mex cuisine, including tacos, burritos, and nachos. A taco is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of a corn or wheat tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as beef, chicken, fish, vegetables, and salsa.
40 Con artist? : FORGER
A con artist is someone who uses deception to cheat people out of their money or possessions. A forger is someone who produces fake or fraudulent documents, such as checks, contracts, or artwork, with the intention of deceiving others. Both con artists and forgers rely on the art of deception to achieve their goals.
42 On : LIT
“Lit” is a slang term that means something is exciting, fun, or happening. It can also mean someone is intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. In this context, “on” can mean someone is experiencing the effects of being lit, or that something is currently happening that is lit.
43 In the running : VYING
“Vying” means competing or contending with others for a particular goal or prize. “In the running” is a phrase that means someone is among the group of candidates or competitors who have a chance of winning or achieving their goal. So, “vying” and “in the running” are synonymous expressions that describe a competitive situation.
45 Blue Apron offering : MEAL KIT
Blue Apron is a meal kit delivery service that provides customers with pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to cook at home. A meal kit is a package that contains all the ingredients and instructions needed to prepare a specific dish or meal. Blue Apron offering meal kits is a way to make cooking at home more convenient and accessible for busy people who still want to eat healthy, homemade meals.
47 Indiana state flower : PEONY
A state flower is a symbol of a state’s identity and is usually selected for its significance, beauty, or historical importance. The peony is the state flower of Indiana and is known for its large, fragrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. The peony is a popular ornamental flower and is often used in floral arrangements, gardens, and landscaping.
48 “Stayin’ Alive” genre : DISCO
“Stayin’ Alive” is a hit song by the Bee Gees that was released in 1977. It is a classic example of the disco genre, which was popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Disco is a dance music style that features a prominent bassline, a four-on-the-floor rhythm, and orchestral arrangements. Disco music was often played in nightclubs and was associated with a flamboyant fashion style and dance moves such as the hustle and the disco point.
49 Any “Gilmore Girls” episode, now : RERUN
A “rerun” refers to a television show or episode that is broadcast again after its original airing. “Gilmore Girls” is a popular American television series that originally aired from 2000 to 2007 and is now often aired in reruns on various networks and streaming services.
50 Cartoon still : CEL
A “cel” (short for celluloid) is a transparent sheet made of cellulose acetate that was used in traditional animation to create the hand-drawn frames of a cartoon. Each cel would feature a single drawing of a character or object, and when stacked together with other cels and photographed, they would create the illusion of motion.
51 Silly fool : TWIT
A “twit” is a slang term for someone who is considered foolish or annoying. The word can also be used as a verb to describe the act of teasing or making fun of someone. In some contexts, the word may be considered offensive or rude.
54 Roomba target : DUST BUNNY
A “Roomba” is a brand of robotic vacuum cleaner that uses sensors and algorithms to navigate around a room and clean the floor. A “dust bunny” is a clump of dust and other small particles that accumulate in corners and other hard-to-reach areas, often resembling the shape of a small animal. Dust bunnies are a common target for Roomba cleaners to remove from a room.
55 Tiny units of progress depicted four times in this puzzle? : BABY STEPS
“Baby steps” is a phrase that refers to small and gradual progress towards a larger goal. In the context of this crossword puzzle, the phrase is used as a clue to the theme of the puzzle, which features four instances of the word “baby” in the theme answers. The theme answers all relate to small or incremental steps, such as “baby steps” towards progress or “baby steps” in learning a new skill.
57 Mid-pirouette, say: ON TOE
This crossword clue is referring to the position of a ballet dancer while performing a pirouette, a classical dance move that involves spinning around on one foot. The answer to this clue is “ON TOE,” which means that the dancer is balanced on the tip of their toes, with the other foot lifted off the ground.
58 Blue-__: pain relief brand: EMU
The answer to this crossword clue is “EMU,” which is a brand of pain relief products that contains emu oil as its active ingredient. Emu oil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve joint and muscle pain.
59 Fine-tune: TWEAK
The answer to this crossword clue is “TWEAK,” which means to make small adjustments or improvements to something in order to optimize its performance or functionality. This term is often used in the context of technology or software development.
60 Origin of the street food koshary: EGYPT
The answer to this crossword clue is “EGYPT,” which is the country where koshary, a popular street food dish, originated. Koshary is a hearty and filling meal that consists of a mix of pasta, rice, lentils, chickpeas, and a spicy tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.
61 Freelancer’s job: GIG
The answer to this crossword clue is “GIG,” which is a term used to describe a short-term or temporary job or assignment, often taken on by freelancers or independent contractors. Examples of gigs might include writing a blog post, designing a website, or playing a music gig.
62 Swimming holes: PONDS
The answer to this crossword clue is “PONDS,” which are small bodies of water that can be found in parks, gardens, and other natural settings. Ponds are often used for recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and boating, and they can also serve as habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.
DOWN
1 Guesstimate phrase: OR SO
This is a common phrase used to indicate that an approximation is being given, with the implication that the actual value could be slightly more or less than the stated amount. For example, “The meeting should last an hour or so” means that the meeting is expected to take about an hour, but could potentially be shorter or longer.
2 Cheesy diner fare: MELT
This clue likely refers to a type of sandwich that is popular in diners and often includes melted cheese. Some common examples include grilled cheese sandwiches, patty melts (which include a hamburger patty), and tuna melts (which include tuna salad).
3 Not engaged: APATHETIC
This word describes a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern about something. In the context of relationships, being apathetic could mean that someone is not emotionally invested or committed to their partner.
4 “We’re here!”: HOP OUT
This phrase is often used when arriving at a destination in a car or other vehicle, and indicates that it’s time to get out of the vehicle. It can also be used more generally to mean “let’s get going” or “let’s get started”.
5 Cigar end: ASH
When a cigar is smoked, the tobacco leaves burn and create ash, which collects at the end of the cigar. This can be tapped off periodically to prevent the ash from falling onto clothing or other surfaces.
6 __ shop: POP-UP
This phrase describes a type of store or business that is temporary and only operates for a limited time. Pop-up shops are often used by businesses to test new products or concepts, or to create buzz around a particular brand or event.
7 Photographer Kristin: CAPP
This clue likely refers to Kristin Capp, a professional photographer based in New York City. She specializes in portraiture and has worked with a variety of clients, including individuals, families, and corporate groups.
8 Pie in the __ : SKY
This is a play on the popular saying “pie in the sky,” which means an unrealistic or improbable hope or dream. The answer to the clue is “sky,” which is the missing word in the phrase.
9 Part of an online tag : AT SIGN
The “@” symbol is commonly known as the “at sign.” It is used in email addresses and social media usernames to indicate a user’s identity.
10 Breakfast brand : KELLOGG’S
Kellogg’s is a well-known brand that produces a variety of breakfast cereals, including Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, and Frosted Flakes.
11 Emphatic letters, for short : ITALS
“Itals” is short for “italics,” which is a typeface that slants letters to the right. It is often used for emphasis or to indicate a title or publication name.
12 Singer Braxton : TONI
Toni Braxton is an American singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with hits such as “Un-Break My Heart” and “You’re Makin’ Me High.”
13 Filmmaker Lee : ANG
Ang Lee is a Taiwanese-born American film director and screenwriter. He has directed a variety of acclaimed films, including “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “Brokeback Mountain,” and “Life of Pi.”
18 Allergy season sound : ACHOO
This clue is referring to the sound of a sneeze, which is often associated with allergies. “Achoo” is an onomatopoeic word used to mimic the sound of a sneeze.
22 Complain: MOAN
The word “moan” is a verb that means to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something in a low, mournful sound. It can also refer to a low, prolonged sound that is usually made in pain or suffering.
24 Feeling yesterday’s yoga class, perhaps: SORE
After practicing yoga, it is common to feel soreness in the muscles that have been stretched or worked during the session. The word “sore” refers to the feeling of pain, discomfort or sensitivity in a specific part of the body.
25 Full of beans: LYING
This is a play on words, where “full of beans” is a phrase that means someone is full of energy or enthusiasm, while “lying” means not telling the truth or deceiving someone. In this case, “full of beans” is being used sarcastically to suggest that someone is not telling the truth.
26 Name before Wilson or after Rooney: MARA
This clue is referring to the Mara family, who are well-known in the entertainment industry. Kate Mara and Rooney Mara are both actresses, while John Mara is the owner of the New York Giants football team. The answer to the clue is “Mara,” which is the family name that comes before “Wilson” and after “Rooney.”
27 Corp. shake-up: REORG
“Reorg” is a shortened form of “reorganization,” which refers to the process of restructuring a company or organization to make it more efficient or profitable. This may involve layoffs, changes in management, or a realignment of departments or business units.
28 Go (for): OPT
“Opt” is a verb that means to choose or decide on a particular course of action, often after considering other options. In the context of the clue, “go (for)” is a hint that the answer is a verb, and “opt” fits the bill.
30 Full of beans: PHONY
This is another play on words, where “full of beans” is being used sarcastically to mean someone is not being genuine or sincere, while “phony” is a slang term for someone or something that is fake or insincere.
32 Time for a costume from a boo-tique? : HALLOWEEN
This clue is a clever wordplay on the holiday Halloween, which is a time when people dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating or attend parties. The answer to the clue is “Halloween,” which is the time when one might go to a costume store, or a “boo-tique,” to purchase or rent a costume.
33 “Black Panther” villain Killmonger : ERIK
“Erik Killmonger” is a fictional character and the main antagonist in the 2018 Marvel Comics movie “Black Panther.” He is portrayed by Michael B. Jordan and is known for his charismatic personality and his radical political views.
34 Contractor’s fig. : EST
“Est” is a shortened form of “estimate,” which is a rough calculation of the cost or time required to complete a project. In the context of the clue, “contractor’s fig.” is a hint that the answer is a shortened term related to construction or contracting.
36 Spy mission : COVERT OP
“Covert op” is short for “covert operation,” which is a secret mission or undertaking that is carried out by intelligence agencies, military forces, or other organizations. These operations are often conducted in secret, with the aim of gathering intelligence or carrying out a specific objective.
38 Cinco menos dos : TRES
This is a Spanish clue that translates to “five minus two,” which equals three. The answer to the clue is “tres,” which is the Spanish word for “three.”
40 Wolfhard of “Stranger Things” : FINN
“Finn Wolfhard” is a Canadian actor and musician who is best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the popular Netflix series “Stranger Things.” He has also appeared in other films and TV shows, including “It” and “The Goldfinch.”
41 “Revenge” star VanCamp : EMILY
“Emily VanCamp” is a Canadian actress who is known for her roles in popular TV shows such as “Revenge,” “Brothers & Sisters,” and “Everwood.” She has also appeared in films such as “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “The Girl in the Book.”
44 “No doubt about it!” : YOU BET
“You bet” is an idiomatic phrase that means “definitely” or “without a doubt.” It is often used to express agreement or affirmation in response to a statement or question.
46 What many modern plays lack : ACT TWO
This clue refers to the structure of a typical three-act play. In traditional playwriting, the story is divided into three acts, with each act serving a different narrative purpose. The second act is usually the longest and is where the majority of the conflict and drama takes place. However, many modern plays do away with the traditional three-act structure, and as a result, may lack a clear “Act Two.”
47 Annoying : PESTY
“Pesty” is a colloquial term meaning irritating or bothersome. It is often used to describe someone or something that is persistent or nagging.
48 Correct coding errors, say : DEBUG
“Debug” is a term used in computer programming to describe the process of identifying and correcting errors or bugs in software code. Debugging is an essential part of the software development process and involves testing and troubleshooting to ensure that the code runs smoothly and without errors.
49 Ladder part : RUNG
A “rung” is a horizontal step on a ladder that provides a foothold for a person to climb up or down. Ladders come in various sizes and configurations, but most consist of two vertical side rails connected by rungs.
50 Tank : CAMI
“Cami” is short for “camisole,” which is a type of sleeveless, loose-fitting top that is often worn as an undergarment. Camisoles are typically made of lightweight and breathable materials and are designed to be comfortable and versatile.
52 Streaming device : IPAD
“iPad” is a brand of tablet computer developed by Apple Inc. It is a portable device that allows users to access the internet, use apps, and watch videos, among other things. The iPad is a popular choice for streaming video content, such as movies and TV shows, and is often used in conjunction with streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
53 Judgy syllables : TSKS
“Tsk tsk” is a clucking sound made with the tongue and teeth that is often used to express disapproval or disappointment. It is often used in a condescending or judgmental manner.
54 Generic surname : DOE
“Doe” is a generic surname that is often used to refer to an unidentified or unknown female. It is commonly used in legal or law enforcement contexts when the identity of a female is unknown, such as in the case of an unidentified murder victim.
55 “I __ to differ” : BEG
“I beg to differ” is a polite way of expressing disagreement or a difference of opinion. The phrase is often used in formal or professional settings to express dissent or to offer an alternative viewpoint.
56 Indy brand : STP
“STP” is a brand of automotive lubricants and additives. The brand is known for its engine oil additives, which are designed to improve engine performance and reduce wear and tear. The acronym “STP” stands for “Scientifically Treated Petroleum.” The brand is often associated with motorsports, as it has sponsored a number of racing teams and events over the years.
