Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Wednesday March 8th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Roughly: OR SO – This phrase is often used to indicate an approximate or estimated amount or time. For example, “The meeting will start at 2:00 PM, or so,” suggests that the meeting may start a little earlier or later than 2:00 PM, but it will be around that time.
5 Skin blemish: WART – A wart is a small, rough growth on the skin caused by a viral infection. They can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on hands, feet, and face. While warts are generally harmless, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable, especially if they are located in a sensitive or visible area.
9 Poetic contraction: O’ER – This is a shortened version of the word “over” and is often used in poetry or literature to maintain the rhythm and flow of a sentence. It means the same as “over” and is often used in phrases like “The sun has set o’er the hills.”
12 Inheritance recipients: HEIRS – Heirs are individuals who receive property or assets from a person who has passed away. They are typically family members or loved ones of the deceased and are named in the person’s will or estate plan.
14 Slurpee-like drinks: ICEES – Icees are a type of frozen drink that are similar to slurpees or slushies. They are made by blending ice with flavored syrup and are often sold at convenience stores and movie theaters.
16 Astronaut Jemison: MAE – Dr. Mae Jemison is an American astronaut who became the first African American woman to travel in space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992 and has also worked as a physician and engineer.
17 Parade with strict precision: MARCH IN STEP – This phrase describes the act of marching or walking in a procession with strict precision and uniformity. It is often used to describe military parades or ceremonies, where participants must maintain a strict rhythm and pace.
19 Body shop fig.: EST – EST stands for “estimated” and is often used in the context of a car repair or maintenance. When a mechanic provides an estimate for the cost of repairs, they may use the abbreviation EST to indicate that it is only an estimate and the final cost may vary.
20 __ Lanka: SRI – Sri Lanka is an island nation located in South Asia. It is known for its rich culture, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches.
21 Conclusion: END – The word “end” is often used to indicate the conclusion or finishing point of something. For example, “The movie has come to an end,” suggests that the movie is finished and there will be no more scenes or action.
22 One providing misguided support: ENABLER – An enabler is someone who provides support or assistance to another person, often in an effort to help or care for them, but who may actually be doing more harm than good. For example, an enabler may enable someone with an addiction by providing them with money or shelter, rather than encouraging them to seek treatment and address the root cause of their addiction.
24 Milan opera house: LA SCALA – La Scala is a world-famous opera house located in Milan, Italy. It was inaugurated in 1778 and has since become one of the most prestigious and renowned opera houses in the world, known for its incredible acoustics and historic performances by some of the greatest opera singers and composers of all time.
26 Pull up stakes for one’s company: RELO – To “relo” is a colloquial term meaning to relocate or move to a new place, often for work or business purposes. When someone is said to be “pulling up stakes” for their company, it means they are packing up and moving to a new location in order to continue working for the same company.
27 Hint: CLUE – A clue is a piece of information or evidence that provides a hint or suggestion about something, often used in the context of solving a puzzle or mystery. For example, in a game of Clue, players must use clues to determine who committed a murder, where it took place, and what weapon was used.
30 Starbucks size: TALL – “Tall” is one of the sizes used by the popular coffee chain, Starbucks. It is the smallest size offered and typically contains 12 ounces of coffee or other beverage.
31 Gains a lap: SITS – To “sit” is to remain stationary in a seated position, often used in the context of gaining a lap while sitting in a car or other vehicle. For example, a child who climbs into the back seat of a car may “sit” on their parent’s lap to gain a better view of the scenery outside.
32 “Stay right there!”: DON’T MOVE – This phrase is often used to command someone to remain in place or maintain a stationary position, often for safety or security reasons. For example, a police officer may shout “Don’t move!” to a suspect who is attempting to flee or resist arrest.
34 Fuel economy meas.: MPG – MPG stands for miles per gallon, a commonly used measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles. It indicates the distance that a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel and is used to compare the fuel efficiency of different vehicles.
35 Tropical storm: CYCLONE – A cyclone is a weather system characterized by a low-pressure center and rotating winds, often accompanied by heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Cyclones can occur in different parts of the world and are known by different names depending on their location, such as hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical storms.
36 More inclusive: BROADER – To be “broader” is to be more inclusive or comprehensive in scope or range. For example, a “broader” definition of a word would include more possible meanings or interpretations, while a “broader” approach to a problem would consider more potential solutions or factors.
40 See red?: OWE – This phrase is a play on words that uses the homophones “see” and “sea.” The word “red” sounds like the word “read,” which makes the phrase “see red” sound like “sea read.” The phrase “owe” is added to the end of the phrase to make it a pun, as “red” and “read” are both homophones for the word “owed.”
41 Sorting factor in some directories: LAST NAME – In some directories, such as phone books or employee directories, people are sorted by their last names rather than their first names. This is because last names are typically more unique and less likely to change than first names, making them a more effective way to organize a large list of people.
42 Blessing: BOON – A boon is a blessing or benefit that is given to someone. It can be used to describe something that is helpful or advantageous, or it can refer to a gift or reward that is given as a sign of gratitude or appreciation.
44 British noble: EARL – In the British peerage system, an earl is a noble rank that is below a marquess and above a viscount. Earls are addressed as “Lord” or “Lady” followed by their title, and they are often granted the right to sit in the House of Lords.
45 “Saving Private Ryan” event: D-DAY – D-Day was a military operation during World War II that took place on June 6, 1944. It was the largest seaborne invasion in history and involved Allied forces landing on the beaches of Normandy, France to begin the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The event was depicted in the 1998 film “Saving Private Ryan.”
46 Medical pros: DOCS – “Docs” is a slang term for doctors or medical professionals. It is often used informally to refer to a person who has expertise in a particular area of medicine.
47 Opens, as a gift: UNWRAPS – To unwrap a gift is to remove the wrapping paper or other packaging in order to reveal the contents inside. This is typically done when someone receives a gift, as a way of revealing what has been given to them.
49 Sound bite, e.g.: EXCERPT – An excerpt is a short piece of text, music, or video that is taken from a larger work. In the context of media or journalism, an excerpt is often used to refer to a short sound bite or quote that is taken from a longer interview or speech.
51 Sked info: ETA – ETA is an abbreviation for “estimated time of arrival.” It is often used in transportation or logistics to indicate when a vehicle or shipment is expected to arrive at its destination.
52 April 15 payment: TAX – In the United States, April 15 is the deadline for filing income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Many people are required to pay taxes on their income, and the amount of tax owed is calculated based on a variety of factors, such as income level and deductions.
55 Original Beatle Sutcliffe: STU
Stuart Fergusson Victor Sutcliffe was a British painter and musician who is best known as the original bassist of the Beatles. He was born on June 23, 1940, in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a close friend of John Lennon. Sutcliffe played with the Beatles during their early years in Hamburg, Germany, but eventually left the band to pursue his career as a painter. He died tragically at the age of 21 from a brain hemorrhage.
56 Metaphor for something that can’t be changed, and what’s found five times in this puzzle?: SPILLED MILK
The phrase “spilled milk” is a metaphor for something that has happened in the past and cannot be changed. It comes from the saying “don’t cry over spilled milk,” which means not to worry about things that can’t be changed. In this puzzle, the phrase “spilled milk” appears five times, each time as part of a longer answer.
59 Keystone figure: KOP
A keystone is a central stone at the summit of an arch, locking the whole together. In the context of this clue, a keystone figure refers to someone or something that is central or essential to a particular situation or organization. The KOP acronym stands for the “Kemper Open Pit” mine, which is an open-pit copper mine located in Arizona.
60 Lofty nest: AERIE
An aerie is a large nest built high up in a tree or on a cliff by birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, or owls. It provides a safe and elevated spot for the birds to raise their young and keep a lookout for prey. In a figurative sense, the word can also refer to a lofty or elevated place or position.
61 Shrub that may be toxic: SUMAC
Sumac is a shrub or small tree that grows in many parts of the world. Some species of sumac have red berries that are used as a spice, while others are toxic and can cause skin irritation or respiratory problems. Poison sumac, for example, is a plant that can cause a severe rash when touched.
62 Informer, maybe: SPY
A spy is a person who secretly gathers information about an enemy or competitor for a government, organization, or individual. In the context of this clue, an informer is someone who provides information to authorities about criminal activity or wrongdoing, often in exchange for leniency or protection.
63 Saxophone insert: REED
A saxophone is a musical instrument that uses a reed to produce sound. The reed is a thin piece of material, usually made of bamboo or synthetic materials, that vibrates when air is blown through it, producing the instrument’s characteristic sound. In the context of this clue, the word “insert” suggests that the answer is a small piece that is put into or added to something else.
64 Repair: MEND
To mend something is to fix it or repair it, often by patching or stitching it back together. The word can be used to describe repairing a wide range of things, from clothing and household items to relationships and emotional wounds. In the context of this puzzle, the word “repair” is a straightforward definition clue, indicating that the answer is a synonym for “fix.”
DOWN
- Electrical units: OHMS
The ohm is a unit of electrical resistance named after German physicist Georg Simon Ohm. It is defined as the resistance between two points of a conductor when a constant potential difference of one volt, applied to these points, produces in the conductor a current of one ampere. The ohm is used extensively in electrical engineering and physics.
- Caboose: REAR
A caboose is a railroad car that is usually attached to the end of a freight train. It was traditionally used as a mobile office and sleeping quarters for the train crew, as well as a lookout post to watch for any issues with the train or track. With the advent of new technologies and safety regulations, cabooses are now largely obsolete.
- Virtual assistant on Apple devices: SIRI
Siri is a virtual assistant developed by Apple Inc. It uses natural language processing and machine learning to answer questions, perform tasks, and make recommendations. Siri can be accessed through various Apple devices, including the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.
- Goblinlike fantasy creature: ORC
An orc is a fictional humanoid creature that appears in various works of fantasy literature, such as J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth universe. Orcs are typically depicted as brutish, aggressive, and warlike, with a penchant for violence and destruction.
- South Dakota national park known for its air currents: WIND CAVE
Wind Cave National Park is a national park in South Dakota, United States. It is named for its unique cave system, which is known for its rare boxwork formations and extensive network of underground passages. The park is also known for its strong air currents, which are caused by differences in air pressure between the cave and the surface.
- Rm. coolers: ACS
ACS stands for air conditioning systems. Room air conditioners are appliances designed to cool a single room or space, as opposed to central air conditioning systems that cool an entire building or home.
- Share again, as a joke: RETELL
To retell is to recount a story or joke that has already been told. It is a common social behavior to retell funny or entertaining stories to others who may not have heard them yet.
- “Ooo La La La” singer __ Marie: TEENA
Teena Marie was an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique blend of soul, funk, and rock music. She had several hit songs throughout the 1980s, including “Ooo La La La,” “Square Biz,” and “Lovergirl.” Marie died in 2010 at the age of 54.
- Brunch dish: OMELET
An omelet is a dish made from beaten eggs that are cooked in a frying pan with various fillings, such as cheese, vegetables, or meats. It is a popular breakfast and brunch dish that can be customized to suit individual tastes and preferences.
- Stands in a studio: EASELS
An easel is a stand or frame used to support and display an artist’s canvas or painting. In a studio, easels are often used by artists to work on their paintings or drawings in an upright position, allowing them to see and work on their work more easily.
- Nostalgia-inducing: RETRO
Retro refers to a style or trend that is inspired by or imitative of styles, fashions, or design from the recent past. It often evokes feelings of nostalgia or sentimentality for a particular time period or cultural era.
- “__ Butter Baby”: Ari Lennox/J. Cole song: SHEA
“Shea Butter Baby” is a song by American singer Ari Lennox featuring rapper J. Cole. It was released in 2019 as the lead single from Lennox’s debut studio album, also titled “Shea Butter Baby.” The song blends elements of R&B, soul, and hip hop, and has received critical acclaim for its smooth vocals and relatable lyrics.
- Hydrotherapy spot: SPA
A spa is a place that offers various therapeutic treatments, such as massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. Hydrotherapy involves the use of water for therapeutic purposes, such as in hot tubs, whirlpools, and saunas. Spas are often associated with relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care.
- Not negotiable: IN STONE
Something that is “in stone” is considered to be unchangeable or permanent. The phrase likely comes from the practice of carving inscriptions or messages into stone, which would be difficult to alter once set.
- Bandits: BRIGANDS
Brigands are typically considered to be a type of bandit or outlaw who operates outside of the law, often robbing and plundering travelers or settlements. The term has historically been associated with groups of armed criminals who operate in remote or rural areas.
- Live it up: LET LOOSE
To “let loose” means to relax, have fun, or behave freely and uninhibitedly. The phrase suggests a release of tension or inhibition, allowing oneself to fully enjoy and engage in a particular activity or experience.
- Pub choice: ALE
Ale is a type of beer that is brewed using a warm fermentation process, typically with a strain of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Ales are characterized by their complex flavors and aromas, often featuring fruity or spicy notes. They are a popular choice in pubs and bars around the world.
- Public health agcy.: CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a national public health agency in the United States. It is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for investigating and controlling the spread of diseases, as well as promoting public health and safety.
- Poet Mina or actress Myrna: LOY
Mina Loy was an avant-garde poet and artist associated with the Dada and Surrealist movements. She was known for her unconventional style and feminist themes. Myrna Loy, on the other hand, was an American film and television actress who appeared in over 130 movies and is best known for her roles in “The Thin Man” series and “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
- Chapel Hill sch.: UNC
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is one of the oldest public universities in the United States and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. UNC is known for its strong programs in medicine, law, business, and journalism, among other areas.
- Ad: SPOT
In advertising, a “spot” refers to a short commercial or advertisement that is broadcast on radio or television. The term may also be used to refer to a specific location or time slot in which an advertisement is aired.
- Like freshly cut lawns: MOWN
“Mown” is an adjective used to describe something that has been cut down, especially grass or other vegetation. It is often used to describe the smell or appearance of freshly cut lawns, which many people find pleasant.
- Fred Flintstone’s boss: MR SLATE
Mr. Slate is a fictional character from the animated television series “The Flintstones.” He is the boss of Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble at the Slate Rock and Gravel Company, where they work as quarry workers. Mr. Slate is known for his gruff demeanor and no-nonsense attitude.
- Raced (along): BARRELED
To “barrel” means to move rapidly or forcefully in a particular direction, often with little regard for obstacles or safety. The term may be used to describe vehicles or other objects that are moving quickly and uncontrollably.
- Family man: DAD
“Dad” is a term used to refer to a male parent or father. It is often used as a term of endearment or familiarity between family members or close friends.
- Horvath of “The Rings of Power”: EMA
Ema Horvath is an American actress best known for her role as Ilse in the television series “The Rings of Power.” She has also appeared in other television shows and movies, including “The Mortuary Collection” and “Like.Share.Follow.”
- Marina del __, California: REY
Marina del Rey is a coastal community located in Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its large marina, which is home to thousands of boats and yachts. The area is also popular for its beaches, restaurants, and recreational activities.
- Bar code?: LAW
The term “bar code” may be used figuratively to refer to a set of rules or regulations that must be followed in a particular situation. For example, one might say that a particular action is “against the bar code” if it violates a commonly accepted ethical or moral standard.
- Cereal eater’s proof of purchase: BOX TOP
A box top is a small cardboard square or rectangle that is found on the top of certain packaged goods, such as cereal boxes. These box tops may be collected and redeemed for various rewards or incentives, such as discounts, prizes, or donations to charitable causes.
- Keep busy: OCCUPY
To “occupy” means to fill or engage one’s time or attention with a particular activity or task. The term may be used to describe a wide range of activities, from work and study to hobbies and leisure pursuits.
- Unabridged: ENTIRE
“Unabridged” refers to a book or other written work that has not been shortened, condensed, or edited in any way. An unabridged dictionary, for example, contains all of the words and definitions that are considered to be part of the language.
- Secretaries, e.g.: DESKS
A desk is a piece of furniture that is typically used for writing, working, or studying. The term may also be used more broadly to refer to the workspace of a particular profession or occupation, such as “secretary’s desk” or “teacher’s desk.”
- __ Peninsula: Michigan home of Yoopers: UPPER
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is a region of the state that is separated from the Lower Peninsula by the Straits of Mackinac. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational activities, and unique culture, including the local dialect known as “Yooper.”
- Cushions: PADS
A pad is a soft, cushioned object that is used for comfort, support, or protection. The term may be used to refer to a wide range of objects, from seat cushions and mattress pads to adhesive pads and menstrual pads.
- Pretoria’s land: Abbr.: RSA
RSA is the abbreviation for the Republic of South Africa, a country located at the southern tip of the African continent. Pretoria is one of South Africa’s three capital cities and is located in the northern part of the country.
- Umpire’s cry: TIME
“Time” is a common cry made by umpires in various sports, including baseball and tennis. The umpire may call “time” to indicate a temporary stoppage of play, such as to allow for a change of balls or to deal with an injury or equipment issue.
- Mathematician Turing: ALAN
Alan Turing was an English mathematician and computer scientist who is widely considered to be the father of modern computing. He is known for his work on codebreaking during World War II, as well as for his contributions to the development of computer science and artificial intelligence.
- Randall Munroe’s webcomic of “romance, sarcasm, math, and language”: XKCD
XKCD is a webcomic created by American cartoonist Randall Munroe. The comic covers a wide range of topics, including science, mathematics, technology, and popular culture, and is known for its humorous and irreverent style.
- Two truths and a __: icebreaker game: LIE
“Two truths and a lie” is a popular icebreaker game in which participants are asked to share three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one of which is false. The other participants must then try to guess which statement is the lie. The game is often used as a way to get to know new people or to liven up group activities.
