Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Monday April 17th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Hornets and yellow jackets: WASPS
Explanation: Both hornets and yellow jackets are types of wasps. Wasps are insects that are typically slender with a narrow waist and have two pairs of wings. They are known for their stingers, which they use to defend themselves and their nests.
6 Meghan Trainor’s “All __ That Bass”: ABOUT
Explanation: “All About That Bass” is a song by American singer Meghan Trainor, released in 2014. The song became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
11 Poorly lit: DIM
Explanation: The word “dim” means poorly lit or not bright. It can also be used to describe something that is not clear or distinct.
14 Change: ALTER
Explanation: The word “alter” means to change or modify something. It can be used to describe making a small adjustment to something or completely transforming it.
15 Italian grandma: NONNA
Explanation: “Nonna” is the Italian word for grandmother. It is a term of endearment used to refer to one’s maternal or paternal grandmother.
16 Earth-friendly prefix: ECO-
Explanation: The prefix “eco-” is often used to indicate something that is environmentally friendly or sustainable. For example, “eco-friendly” products are those that have a minimal impact on the environment.
17 *”Don’t be a stranger!”: KEEP IN TOUCH
Explanation: This phrase is often used as a way of encouraging someone to stay in contact or maintain communication. It is typically said when saying goodbye to someone who you don’t see or talk to often, with the implication that you want to hear from them again soon.
19 Word with baseball or bottle : CAP
In this crossword clue, the word “CAP” is the answer. The clue provides two possible contexts that the word “CAP” can be used in, which are “baseball” or “bottle.” In the context of baseball, a “CAP” refers to the hat worn by players on the field. In the context of a bottle, a “CAP” refers to the lid or closure that seals the bottle.
20 Former flames : EXES
In this crossword clue, the answer is “EXES.” The clue uses the term “former flames” to refer to people who were previously in a romantic relationship but are no longer together. “EXES” is a common term used to describe former partners or spouses.
21 Mischievous types : IMPS
In this crossword clue, the answer is “IMPS.” The clue uses the term “mischievous types” to describe a certain kind of creature or person. “IMPS” is a word used to describe mischievous, often supernatural beings, such as little demons or fairies.
22 Screen symbols : ICONS
In this crossword clue, the answer is “ICONS.” The clue uses the term “screen symbols” to refer to graphical representations or images that appear on computer screens, such as desktop icons or app icons. “ICONS” can also refer to symbols or images used in religious or cultural contexts.
24 “Save Your Tears” singer Grande : ARIANA
In this crossword clue, the answer is “ARIANA.” The clue provides a song title, “Save Your Tears,” and asks for the name of the singer who performed it. The correct answer is “ARIANA,” which refers to Ariana Grande, an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for hits such as “Thank U, Next” and “Positions.”
26 Begin : START
In this crossword clue, the answer is “START.” The clue uses the term “begin” to indicate that the answer is a synonym for “start.” “START” is a common word used to describe the beginning of something, such as a race, a project, or a journey.
27 *Vision in the mind’s eye : MENTAL IMAGE
In this crossword clue, the answer is “MENTAL IMAGE.” The clue uses the term “vision in the mind’s eye” to describe a mental picture or image that someone creates in their imagination. “MENTAL IMAGE” is a common term used to describe these visual representations that exist only in a person’s mind. The asterisk before the clue indicates that this is a themed clue, where all the answers will be related to a particular concept or theme.
31 Celeb’s entourage: POSSE
The word “posse” refers to a group of people who are assembled for a particular purpose, usually to assist or protect someone. In the context of this clue, the word “celeb” is short for “celebrity,” and the “entourage” refers to the group of people who accompany a famous person. So, “celeb’s entourage” is a clue for the word “posse.”
35 Many moons __ : AGO
This is a phrase that means “a long time ago.” The word “moons” refers to the lunar cycle, which is about 29.5 days long. So, “many moons” means a significant amount of time has passed, and the blank is to be filled with “ago” to complete the phrase.
36 Resting on : ATOP
This is a preposition that means “on top of.” It is used to describe something that is positioned or situated on the surface of something else. In the context of this clue, “resting on” is a phrase that describes the position of an object, and the answer is “atop.”
37 Poker buy-ins : ANTES
An “ante” is a small amount of money that each player in a poker game is required to put in the pot before the game begins. This money is used to start the betting, and it ensures that there is always something to play for, even if the players don’t want to raise the stakes immediately. So, “poker buy-ins” is a clue for the word “antes.”
38 Prez on a fiver : ABE
This is a reference to the American $5 bill, which features the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. So, “Prez on a fiver” is a clue for the nickname of Abraham Lincoln, which is “Abe.”
39 Military unit : TROOP
This is a noun that refers to a group of soldiers, typically under the command of a single officer. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any organized group of people, such as a troupe of actors or dancers. In the context of this clue, “military unit” is a clue for the word “troop.”
40 “Watch your __!” : STEP
This is a warning phrase used to alert someone to be careful where they place their feet. In the context of this clue, “watch your” is the beginning of the phrase, and the answer is “step,” which completes the sentence. So, “Watch your __!” is a clue for the word “step.”
41 Kerfuffle: ADO
A kerfuffle is a commotion, fuss or disturbance, often caused by a minor disagreement or a trivial issue. ADO is a synonym for commotion or fuss, and is a fitting answer to this clue.
42 Trumpets and tubas: HORNS
In music, horns are a family of wind instruments that produce sound by vibrating the player’s lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. Trumpets and tubas are both types of horns, making HORNS an appropriate answer to this crossword clue.
43 *Enthusiastic compliment in the fitting room: THAT IS SO YOU
This clue refers to a compliment that one might receive while trying on clothes in a store. “That is so you” is an enthusiastic compliment that suggests the item being tried on perfectly suits the person’s style or personality.
47 Utopias: EDENS
Utopias are idealized, imaginary communities or societies that are perfect or nearly perfect. EDENS is an appropriate answer to this clue, as the word refers to the Garden of Eden, a mythical paradise often associated with perfection and bliss.
48 Familiar saying: OLD SAW
An old saw is a common or familiar saying or proverb, often repeated and passed down through generations. This clue is a bit of a play on words, as “saw” can also refer to a tool used for cutting wood.
52 Soul singer Baker: ANITA
Anita Baker is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her soulful voice and R&B hits from the 1980s and 1990s. ANITA is an appropriate answer to this clue.
53 “Creations from la cocina” brand: GOYA
Goya Foods is a Hispanic-owned food company that specializes in Latin American cuisine. Its products are often marketed as “Creations from la cocina” (“Creations from the kitchen”). GOYA is the name of the company and an appropriate answer to this crossword clue.
55 Ninny: TWIT
In the world of crossword puzzles, “ninny” is often used as a synonym for “twit,” which means a foolish or silly person. So, if you see “ninny” as a clue in a crossword puzzle, you can guess that the answer might be “twit.”
57 Weeding tool: HOE
In a garden, a hoe is a tool that is used to remove weeds from the soil. In a crossword puzzle, “weeding tool” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “hoe.”
58 Completely wrong, and what the answers to the starred clues literally are?: FULL OF BEANS
In crossword puzzles, “full of beans” is often used as a slang phrase that means “completely wrong” or “mistaken.” However, the answer to this clue is also a literal interpretation of the phrase “full of beans.” In other words, the answers to the starred clues are “full” of “beans,” or words that can be used to describe beans, such as “lima,” “navy,” and “kidney.”
61 Curvy letter: ESS
In the English language, the letter “S” is often referred to as the “curvy letter” because of its distinctive shape. In a crossword puzzle, “curvy letter” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “ess,” which is another term for the letter “S.”
62 “August: __ County”: Meryl Streep film: OSAGE
“August: Osage County” is a 2013 film that stars Meryl Streep and is based on a play of the same name by Tracy Letts. The film tells the story of the dysfunctional Weston family and their various struggles and conflicts. In a crossword puzzle, “Meryl Streep film” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Osage.”
63 Novelist Jong: ERICA
Erica Jong is an American novelist and poet who is best known for her 1973 novel “Fear of Flying.” The book was a controversial bestseller that dealt with issues of female sexuality and empowerment. In a crossword puzzle, “novelist Jong” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Erica.”
64 Intersected: MET
In a crossword puzzle, “intersected” is a clue that can be used to indicate the answer “met.” When two lines or paths cross or intersect, they “meet” at that point. Therefore, “intersected” can be a synonym for “met” in this context.
65 Lose it: GO MAD
“Go mad” is a colloquial expression that means to become extremely upset or angry, or to lose one’s sanity or self-control. In a crossword puzzle, “lose it” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “go mad.”
66 Sign on many doors: ENTER
The word “enter” is often used as a sign on doors to indicate that you are allowed or welcome to come inside. In a crossword puzzle, “sign on many doors” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “enter.”
DOWN
1 Rouse from sleep: WAKE
In a crossword puzzle, “rouse from sleep” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “wake.” When you wake up, you become alert and aware after a period of sleep or unconsciousness.
2 Apple: Siri :: Amazon: __ : ALEXA
In this crossword clue, the relationship between Apple and Siri is being compared to the relationship between Amazon and a similar virtual assistant named Alexa. The answer to the clue is “Alexa.”
3 Take the helm: STEER
In a nautical context, “take the helm” means to take control of a ship’s steering mechanism in order to guide it in a particular direction. In a crossword puzzle, “take the helm” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “steer.”
4 One side in the cola wars: PEPSI
The “cola wars” is a term that refers to the marketing and advertising battle between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, two major cola companies. In a crossword puzzle, “one side in the cola wars” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Pepsi,” which is one of the major players in the cola market.
5 __ Lanka: SRI
Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia. In a crossword puzzle, “__ Lanka” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Sri.”
6 Insect-sized superhero played by Paul Rudd: ANT-MAN
“Ant-Man” is a Marvel Comics superhero who can shrink down to the size of an ant, while retaining his full-sized strength. In the 2015 movie “Ant-Man,” the character was played by actor Paul Rudd. In a crossword puzzle, “insect-sized superhero played by Paul Rudd” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Ant-Man.”
7 Jazz Age cartoon Betty __: BOOP
Betty Boop is a cartoon character who first appeared in the 1930s during the Jazz Age. She is known for her high-pitched voice, short skirt, and distinctive curly hair. In a crossword puzzle, “Jazz Age cartoon Betty __” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Boop.”
8 Heavy burden: ONUS
In a crossword puzzle, “heavy burden” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “onus.” An onus is a difficult or unpleasant responsibility that one is expected to fulfill.
9 Duke’s ACC rival: UNC
Duke University and the University of North Carolina (UNC) are two major universities located in North Carolina, United States. They are rivals in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in various sports such as basketball, football, and lacrosse. In a crossword puzzle, “Duke’s ACC rival” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “UNC.”
10 Island in French Polynesia: TAHITI
Tahiti is the largest and most populous island in French Polynesia, located in the Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. In a crossword puzzle, “island in French Polynesia” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Tahiti.”
11 Interior designer: DECORATOR
An interior decorator is a professional who specializes in designing and decorating interior spaces such as homes, offices, and public buildings. They may work with architects, contractors, and other professionals to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing environment. In a crossword puzzle, “interior designer” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “decorator.”
12 Melodramatic cry of exhaustion: I CAN’T GO ON
“I can’t go on” is a common expression used to convey a sense of extreme exhaustion or fatigue. In a melodramatic context, it might be used as a cry for help or sympathy. In a crossword puzzle, “melodramatic cry of exhaustion” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “I can’t go on.”
13 Unkempt dos: MOPS
In a crossword puzzle, “unkempt dos” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “mops.” A mop is a cleaning tool used to wipe up spills or clean floors, and an unkempt hairdo might be described as resembling a mop.
18 Number of innings in most baseball games: NINE
Baseball is a sport played between two teams of nine players each. A typical baseball game consists of nine innings, in which each team takes turns batting and playing defense. In a crossword puzzle, “number of innings in most baseball games” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “nine.”
23 Chevy muscle car: CAMARO
The Chevrolet Camaro is a muscle car produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors. The Camaro was first introduced in 1966 and has since become a popular American sports car. In a crossword puzzle, “Chevy muscle car” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Camaro.”
25 Iowa city north of Des Moines: AMES
Ames is a city located in central Iowa, United States. It is home to Iowa State University and is located approximately 30 miles north of Des Moines, the state capital. In a crossword puzzle, “Iowa city north of Des Moines” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Ames.”
26 -mo: SLO
In a crossword puzzle, “-mo” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “slo.” “Slo-mo” is a colloquial abbreviation of “slow motion,” which is used to describe a technique used in film and video production to create a slowed-down effect.
28 Definite no-no: TABOO
In a crossword puzzle, “definite no-no” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “taboo.” Taboo refers to a practice, custom, or belief that is prohibited or forbidden by society. In many cultures, certain topics may be considered taboo and are avoided in polite conversation.
29 Mature: AGE
In a crossword puzzle, “mature” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “age.” Age refers to the length of time that a person or thing has existed, and can be used to describe a person’s level of development or the state of a product or material.
30 “Love & Basketball” actor Omar: EPPS
Omar Epps is an American actor known for his roles in films and television shows such as “Love & Basketball,” “House,” and “ER.” In a crossword puzzle, “Love & Basketball” actor Omar” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Epps.”
31 Yesteryear: PAST
In a crossword puzzle, “yesteryear” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “past.” The past refers to a time that has already happened or has ended, and can be used to describe historical events or personal experiences.
32 Precisely: ON THE NOSE
In a crossword puzzle, “precisely” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “on the nose.” “On the nose” is a colloquial phrase that means exactly right or accurate. It can be used to describe something that has happened exactly as expected or to indicate agreement with a statement or suggestion.
33 Most reliable, in a way: STEADIEST
In a crossword puzzle, “most reliable, in a way” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “steadiest.” “Steady” can be used to describe something that is firm, constant, or dependable. In the context of the clue, “steadiest” refers to something that is the most dependable or reliable of its kind.
34 Days of the week, e.g.: SEPTET
In a crossword puzzle, “days of the week, e.g.” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “septet.” A septet is a group of seven things or people, and in this case, it refers to the seven days of the week.
38 Pop-ups in many free apps: ADS
In a crossword puzzle, “pop-ups in many free apps” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “ads.” Ads, short for advertisements, are promotional messages or images that are intended to persuade people to buy a product or service.
39 Dull impact sound: THUD
In a crossword puzzle, “dull impact sound” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “thud.” A thud is a low, dull sound that is often made when a heavy object hits a surface.
41 Braying quadruped: ASS
In a crossword puzzle, “braying quadruped” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “ass.” An ass, also known as a donkey, is a domesticated mammal that is known for its distinctive braying sound.
44 Rather out of it: IN A FOG
In a crossword puzzle, “rather out of it” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “in a fog.” “In a fog” is a colloquial phrase that means confused, disoriented, or mentally unclear. It can be used to describe someone who is having difficulty thinking clearly or making decisions.
45 Fluctuated wildly: YO-YOED
In a crossword puzzle, “fluctuated wildly” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “yo-yoed.” “Yo-yoed” is a term that is used to describe something that has experienced significant fluctuations, often in a short period of time. It is a metaphorical reference to the up-and-down motion of a yo-yo.
46 Elsa and Anna’s snowman pal: OLAF
In a crossword puzzle, “Elsa and Anna’s snowman pal” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Olaf.” Olaf is a character from the popular Disney movie “Frozen.” He is a snowman who was brought to life by Elsa’s magical powers and becomes friends with the movie’s main characters, Elsa and Anna.
49 Back of a boat: STERN
In a crossword puzzle, “back of a boat” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “stern.” The stern is the rear part of a boat, opposite the bow or front.
50 Eagerly expect: AWAIT
In a crossword puzzle, “eagerly expect” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “await.” To await something is to wait for it eagerly or with anticipation. It can be used to describe someone who is looking forward to a particular event or experience.
51 Show a bit of pain: WINCE
In a crossword puzzle, “show a bit of pain” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “wince.” To wince is to make a slight involuntary movement or facial expression in response to pain or discomfort.
52 “I can hear you, you know”: AHEM
In a crossword puzzle, “I can hear you, you know” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “ahem.” “Ahem” is an interjection that is used to get someone’s attention or to indicate disapproval. It is often used to interrupt someone who is speaking or to signal that someone is speaking too loudly or inappropriately.
53 Glitzy genre: GLAM
In a crossword puzzle, “glitzy genre” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “glam.” “Glam” is short for “glamorous” and is often used to describe something that is flashy, showy, or extravagant. It can be used to describe a style of fashion, music, or entertainment that is characterized by a lot of glitz and glamor.
54 Gymnast Korbut: OLGA
In a crossword puzzle, “gymnast Korbut” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “Olga.” Olga Korbut is a former Soviet gymnast who competed in the 1970s. She is best known for her performances in the 1972 Munich Olympics, where she won three gold medals and one silver medal.
56 Bygone Russian ruler: TSAR
In a crossword puzzle, “bygone Russian ruler” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “tsar.” “Tsar” is a title that was used to describe the rulers of Russia from the 16th to the early 20th century. It is similar to the title of “emperor” and was used to denote a supreme ruler with absolute power.
59 GI entertainers: USO
In a crossword puzzle, “GI entertainers” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “USO.” The USO, or United Service Organizations, is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment and other services to members of the U.S. military and their families. The organization was founded in 1941 and has been serving the military community ever since.
60 Honey-making pollinator: BEE
In a crossword puzzle, “honey-making pollinator” is a common clue that can be used to indicate the answer “bee.” Bees are insects that are known for their ability to pollinate plants and produce honey. They are an essential part of many ecosystems and play a critical role in agriculture and food production.
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