Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Saturday May 13th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Erosion control supply: STRAW MATS
This answer refers to a product used in erosion control, typically made of tightly bound straw or hay. Straw mats are often used on slopes or other areas where soil erosion is a concern. The mats help to hold the soil in place, preventing it from being washed away by rain or other natural elements.
10 Composer Bruckner: ANTON
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896) was an Austrian composer known for his symphonies and other works in the Romantic style. Bruckner’s music was often characterized by its grandeur, complexity, and use of religious themes. His most famous compositions include his Symphony No. 4 (“Romantic”) and Symphony No. 8.
15 Ahead of its time: PROPHETIC
This answer refers to something that is ahead of its time, meaning it anticipates or predicts future developments. The term is often used to describe artistic or literary works that are particularly prescient, or scientific or technological discoveries that were not fully appreciated until later. Examples of prophetic works include George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.
16 Held up: BORNE
The answer “BORNE” refers to the past participle of the verb “bear.” To be held up can mean to be supported or sustained, and “borne” can be used to describe something that has been carried or supported in this way. The term can also be used more figuratively to mean that something has been endured or tolerated.
17 Pizza sauce choice: RED TOMATO
This answer refers to the most common type of pizza sauce, which is typically made from ripe red tomatoes. The tomatoes are usually cooked down with herbs and spices to create a rich, savory sauce that is spread over the pizza crust before adding toppings.
18 Condition: STATE
The answer “STATE” can refer to a number of different conditions or circumstances. In general, the term is used to describe the current situation or status of something. For example, a person’s physical condition could be described as their state of health, or the condition of a building could refer to its current state of repair.
19 “__Chef”: Marcus Samuelsson memoir: YES
This answer refers to the memoir of celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, titled “Yes, Chef.” The book chronicles Samuelsson’s life and career, from his childhood in Ethiopia to his rise to culinary fame in the United States. Samuelsson is known for his innovative approach to cooking, blending traditional African and Scandinavian flavors with contemporary techniques.
20 Nabokov novel : LOLITA
This clue refers to the novel “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov, which was first published in 1955. The novel is infamous for its controversial subject matter, as it tells the story of a middle-aged man who becomes sexually involved with a 12-year-old girl named Dolores Haze (nicknamed “Lolita”). The novel is written from the man’s perspective, and is known for its complex, lyrical prose and exploration of themes like obsession, desire, and morality.
22 Condition that can interfere with focusing, briefly : ADHD
This clue refers to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. People with ADHD may struggle with paying attention, staying organized, controlling impulses, and sitting still for long periods of time. The condition can be diagnosed through a combination of behavioral assessments, medical exams, and psychological tests. Treatment options may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
23 Reagle of “Wordplay” : MERL
This clue refers to Merl Reagle, who was a renowned crossword constructor and writer. Reagle was known for his clever, humorous, and often challenging puzzles, which were featured in newspapers across the United States. He was also a regular contributor to the documentary film “Wordplay,” which explored the world of crossword puzzles and the people who love them.
24 Go along : AGREE
This clue simply means to “concur” or “be in accord” with someone or something. To agree with someone is to share their opinion or perspective on a particular topic or issue. The word “agree” can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal negotiations.
26 Pupil of Beethoven : CZERNY
This clue refers to Carl Czerny, who was a prominent composer, pianist, and music teacher in the 19th century. Czerny was a pupil of Ludwig van Beethoven, and also studied with other famous composers like Johann Nepomuk Hummel and Antonio Salieri. Czerny is perhaps best known for his many studies and exercises for the piano, which are still widely used today by students and teachers around the world.
29 Things that are worth looking into? : MIRRORS
This clue is a play on words, as the answer “mirrors” can be interpreted in two different ways. On one hand, “mirrors” refers to the reflective surfaces that we use to see ourselves or other objects. From this perspective, the clue suggests that mirrors are worth looking into (both literally and metaphorically), as they can reveal important information about ourselves and the world around us. On the other hand, “mirrors” can also be interpreted as a verb, meaning “to reflect” or “to mimic.” From this perspective, the clue suggests that things that are worth looking into are those that mirror or reflect our own interests, values, or experiences.
31 Trope intro : HELIO-
This clue refers to the prefix “helio-,” which is derived from the Greek word for “sun” (helios). In the context of tropes, which are common storytelling devices used in literature, film, and other forms of media, the “helio-” prefix is often used to describe tropes that involve the sun or sunlight in some way. For example, a common heli trope is the “sunrise/set shot,” which is a cinematic technique that uses the light and colors of a sunrise or sunset to create a particular mood or atmosphere.
32 Summer Olympics racer since 1936 : CANOE
This clue refers to the sport of canoe racing, which has been part of the Summer Olympics since 1936. In canoe racing, athletes compete in specially designed boats called canoes, which are propelled through the water using paddles. There are several different types of canoe racing events, including sprints, slalom, and marathon races. Canoe racing is a popular sport in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and North America.
33 Pac-12 athlete : UTE
This clue refers to the University of Utah, which is a member of the Pac-12 Conference in collegiate athletics. The Utes, as they are commonly known, field teams in a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and gymnastics. The Utes have a long and successful history in collegiate athletics, with numerous conference championships and national titles to their name.
35 Round figure : ORB
This clue refers to the word “orb,” which is a synonym for “sphere” or “ball.” An orb is a three-dimensional object that is perfectly round in shape, like a globe or a planet. The word “orb” is often used in a poetic or metaphorical sense to describe something that is round or circular in shape, like the sun or a full moon.
36 Like many ’50s cars : TWO-TONE
This clue refers to the popular automotive design trend of the 1950s, which involved painting cars with two different colors. The two-tone paint scheme was often used to highlight the sleek, curvaceous lines of cars from this era, and was a hallmark of the “jet age” aesthetic that was popular at the time. Two-tone cars were often finished in contrasting colors, like black and white or red and white, and were a symbol of status and style for many Americans.
38 HBO __ : MAX
This clue refers to the premium cable network HBO, which is known for producing and airing high-quality television shows and movies. HBO Max is a streaming service that was launched by the network in 2020, and offers a wide range of programming options, including original series, classic movies, and exclusive content. HBO Max is available to subscribers for a monthly fee, and can be accessed through a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
39 Court : WOO
This clue refers to the verb “woo,” which means to try to gain the affection or favor of someone through various means, such as compliments, gifts, or romantic gestures. In the context of courtship, wooing is often seen as a traditional or old-fashioned approach to dating, and may involve activities like sending love letters, taking someone out to dinner, or bringing them flowers. The word “woo” can also be used in a more general sense to describe trying to convince or persuade someone to do something, such as wooing a potential business partner or investor.
40 Romance novelist Brenda : HIATT
This clue refers to Brenda Hiatt, who is an American author known for writing romance novels in a variety of sub-genres, including historical romance, contemporary romance, and young adult romance. Hiatt has published over 20 novels, many of which have become bestsellers, and has won numerous awards for her writing. She is also a member of several professional writing organizations, and has served as a mentor and teacher to aspiring writers.
41 Poor showing : NO ONE
This clue is a play on words that relies on the double meaning of the phrase “poor showing.” On the one hand, “poor showing” can mean a disappointing or inadequate performance or display of something. On the other hand, “no one” is a phrase that means nobody or nothing. By combining these two meanings, the answer to this clue becomes “no one,” which is a clever and somewhat humorous solution.
43 Chirp : TWEEDLE
This clue refers to the verb “tweedle,” which means to make a high-pitched, chirping sound like a bird. The word “tweedle” is often used to describe the sound made by small birds like finches or sparrows, and is sometimes used in a more general sense to describe any high-pitched, musical sound. In addition to being a verb, “tweedle” can also be used as a noun to refer to a musical phrase or riff that is played on a stringed instrument like a guitar or banjo.
45 Coastal features of Washington and Alaska : FJORDS
This clue refers to fjords, which are long, narrow, deep inlets of the sea that are typically bordered by steep cliffs or mountains. Fjords are formed by glacial erosion, and are a common feature of the coastal landscapes of Norway, Greenland, Iceland, and other countries with rugged coastlines. In the United States, fjords can be found in several locations along the Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Alaska. These fjords are popular tourist destinations, and are known for their stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations.
46 Bridget Riley genre : OP ART
This clue refers to Op art, which is a style of abstract art that emerged in the 1960s. Op art is characterized by its use of optical illusions and geometric patterns to create the illusion of movement or depth. The term “Op” is short for “optical,” and reflects the emphasis on visual perception and optical effects in this style of art. Bridget Riley is a British artist who is closely associated with the Op art movement, and is known for her use of bold, contrasting colors and repeating geometric shapes in her paintings and prints.
47 Rebuke, maybe : SLAP
This clue refers to the verb “slap,” which means to hit someone with an open hand, often as a form of punishment or rebuke. While slapping is not an appropriate or acceptable way to discipline someone in most situations, the word “slap” is often used metaphorically to describe a harsh or critical rebuke or criticism that is delivered verbally, rather than physically.
48 Fluffy rug : SHAG
This clue refers to a type of carpet or rug known as a shag rug. Shag rugs are characterized by their long, loose fibers that give them a soft, fluffy texture. Shag rugs were particularly popular in the 1960s and 70s, and have recently seen a resurgence in popularity in interior design. They are often used in living rooms or bedrooms to add warmth and texture to a space.
49 Last-minute, often : HECTIC
This clue refers to the adjective “hectic,” which means busy, frenzied, or chaotic. The word “hectic” is often used to describe situations that are stressful or overwhelming, such as a busy work schedule, a crowded airport, or a last-minute rush to finish a project or prepare for an event. The phrase “last-minute, often” suggests that the answer to the clue is a word or phrase that is often associated with stressful or rushed situations, and “hectic” fits this description well.
52 “Death in Paradise” airer : PBS
This clue refers to the British television series “Death in Paradise,” which is a murder mystery show set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint-Marie. The show has been broadcast in the United States on several different networks, but the answer to the clue is “PBS,” which is a public broadcasting service that airs a variety of educational and cultural programming in the US. “Death in Paradise” is one of many British television shows that has found a wide audience in the US through PBS.
55 Model 3 maker : TESLA
This clue refers to the electric car manufacturer Tesla, and specifically to the Model 3, which is one of Tesla’s most popular models. The Model 3 is a mid-size electric car that was first introduced in 2017, and has since become one of the best-selling electric cars in the world. Tesla is known for its innovative technology, sleek designs, and commitment to sustainability, and has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement for many years.
57 Inescapable situation: BLACK HOLE
This clue refers to a black hole, which is a region in space where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape from it. Black holes are formed from the collapse of massive stars and are thought to be the endpoints of stellar evolution. They are invisible to the naked eye, but their presence can be detected by their effects on nearby matter and by the radiation they emit as they consume surrounding material. Black holes are fascinating objects in astronomy and are the subject of ongoing research and study.
59 Some deco works: ERTES
This clue refers to the Art Deco artist Erté, who was a prominent figure in the Art Deco movement of the early 20th century. Erté, whose real name was Romain de Tirtoff, was a Russian-born artist and designer who worked in a variety of media, including fashion, theater, and graphic design. He is known for his elegant, stylized designs that often feature intricate patterns and geometric shapes. Erté’s work has remained popular in the decades since his death and has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives.
60 One who makes the rounds?: BARKEEPER
This clue refers to a bartender, who is also sometimes called a barkeeper. A bartender is a person who works in a bar or similar establishment, serving drinks and sometimes food to customers. Bartenders are typically responsible for mixing and serving drinks, taking orders from customers, and maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the bar. The phrase “makes the rounds” is a play on words, as it can refer to a bartender walking around the bar to take orders or interact with customers, but can also refer to a doctor or other medical professional visiting patients in a hospital or other healthcare setting.
61 Circular defense mechanisms: MOATS
This clue refers to a moat, which is a defensive structure that was commonly used in medieval times to protect castles and other fortifications. A moat is a deep, wide trench filled with water that surrounds the outer walls of a castle or fortress. The water in the moat would make it difficult for attackers to approach the walls, and the depth of the trench would make it difficult for them to climb or breach the walls. Moats were a common feature of castle architecture and are still used today in some military installations and other high-security facilities.
62 Anxiously awaits: SWEATS OUT
This clue refers to the phrase “sweats out,” which is a colloquial expression that means to wait anxiously for something to happen. The phrase suggests a state of nervous anticipation, as if the person waiting is sweating profusely due to the stress and uncertainty of the situation. The phrase “sweat it out” can be used in a variety of contexts, such as waiting for the results of a test or exam, waiting for news about a loved one, or waiting for a difficult or challenging situation to resolve itself.
DOWN
1 Agile: SPRY
This clue refers to the adjective “spry,” which means agile or nimble, especially in the context of an older person who is still active and quick-moving despite their age. The word is often used to describe elderly people who are still able to move around easily and participate in physical activities like sports or dancing. The word “spry” comes from the Old Norse word “sprækr,” which means lively or quick.
2 Corner: TREE
This clue is a bit ambiguous, as it can refer to a variety of things that are called “corner” or “tree.” One possibility is that the clue refers to a tree that is growing on a street corner or in another public space. Another possibility is that it refers to a corner of a room or building that has a tree or plant in it for decorative purposes. Alternatively, the clue could be a play on words, with “corner” and “tree” both having multiple meanings that are unrelated to each other.
3 Fish sticks?: RODS
This clue is a play on words, using the phrase “fish sticks” to refer to something that is related to fishing. In this case, the answer is “rods,” which refers to the fishing rods that are used to catch fish. A fishing rod is a long, flexible rod or pole that is used to cast a fishing line with a hook and bait attached. The rod is used to manipulate the line and bait in the water, allowing the angler to attract and catch fish.
4 Keenly intelligent: APT
This clue refers to the adjective “apt,” which means quick to learn or understand, as well as being suitable or appropriate in a particular situation. The word can be used to describe a person who is intellectually sharp and able to grasp complex concepts easily. It can also be used to describe a situation or circumstance that is well-suited to a particular purpose or goal.
5 Totally different, slangily: WHOLE NOTHER
This clue refers to the slang expression “whole nother,” which is a colloquial way of saying “a completely different thing” or “something entirely separate.” The expression is a contraction of the phrase “whole other,” with the word “other” being pronounced as “nother” in some dialects. The phrase is often used in informal speech and writing, and is generally considered non-standard English.
6 Broadway classic with the lyrics “I can smile at the old days / I was beautiful then”: MEMORY
This clue refers to the song “Memory,” which is a classic show tune from the Broadway musical “Cats.” The song is sung by the character Grizabella, who is a former glamour cat that has fallen on hard times. The lyrics of the song express Grizabella’s nostalgia for her youth and her former beauty, and the hope that she will one day be able to recapture some of that lost glory. The song has become a beloved classic and has been covered by many artists over the years.
7 In any way: AT ALL
This clue is a phrase that means “in any manner or degree.” The phrase is often used to emphasize a negative or doubtful statement, as in “I don’t think he’ll show up at all” or “She’s not at all interested in that job.” The phrase can also be used to indicate surprise or disbelief, as in “Did you see that? I never expected that at all!”
8 South American monkey: TITI
Titis are a group of small monkeys found in South America. They are known for their soft, thick fur and long, bushy tails. Titis are social animals that live in family groups, and they communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, facial expressions, and body postures.
9 Shetland native: SCOT
Shetland is an archipelago located off the northeast coast of Scotland. People who are native to Shetland are known as Shetlanders, but since Shetland is part of Scotland, they are also Scottish. Thus, the crossword clue “Shetland native” is a bit of a trick question, since the answer is simply “SCOT”.
10 Six-pack contents?: ABS
This crossword clue is a playful play on words. When people refer to a “six-pack,” they are usually talking about a set of six cans or bottles of beer. However, in this case, the clue is asking for the “contents” of a six-pack, which are the abdominal muscles commonly referred to as “abs”.
11 Tig with a recurring role on “Star Trek: Discovery”: NOTARO
Tig Notaro is an American comedian and actress who has a recurring role on the science fiction TV series “Star Trek: Discovery”. She plays the character of Jett Reno, a brilliant engineer who works aboard the USS Discovery. Notaro is known for her deadpan humor and unique style of stand-up comedy.
12 News about a possible exchange: TRADE RUMOR
A trade rumor is a piece of information or speculation about a possible exchange of goods or services between two parties. In the context of sports, trade rumors often refer to rumors about the potential trade of a player from one team to another. Trade rumors can be based on insider information, or they can be purely speculative.
13 Testifying: ON THE STAND
When a person is called to testify in court, they are often asked to take the witness stand. The “stand” is a raised platform in the courtroom where the witness sits and gives their testimony under oath. So the crossword clue “testifying” is a hint that the answer is “ON THE STAND”.
14 Sine qua non: NEED
“Sine qua non” is a Latin phrase that means “without which, not.” In other words, it refers to something that is essential or indispensable. The crossword clue “sine qua non” is essentially asking for a synonym for this phrase, which is “NEED”.
21 Vice president after Thomas: AARON
This is referring to Aaron Burr, who served as Vice President of the United States under President Thomas Jefferson from 1801 to 1805. Burr is perhaps best known for fatally shooting Alexander Hamilton in a duel in 1804.
23 Hosp. scan: MRI
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. MRI scans can be used to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, from brain and spinal cord injuries to joint and muscle disorders.
25 Prize that may need to be altered if a player wins it again: GREEN JACKET
The Green Jacket is the iconic prize awarded to the winner of the Masters golf tournament, one of the four major championships in men’s professional golf. The winner of the Masters is traditionally presented with a green jacket by the previous year’s champion. If a player wins the tournament more than once, they still receive a new green jacket, but it may need to be altered to fit them properly.
26 Eats: CHOW
“Chow” is a slang term for food, often used in a military context. It’s believed to have originated from the Chinese word “ch’ao,” which means stir-fry or cooked food.
27 Process of dramatic character change: ZERO TO HERO
“Zero to hero” is a phrase that refers to the process of a character undergoing a dramatic transformation from a lowly, insignificant position to a position of great power or success. This is a common theme in literature, film, and other forms of storytelling.
28 Gomiti, for one: ELBOW PASTA
“Gomiti” is the Italian word for elbow, and “elbow pasta” is a type of pasta that has a curved, elbow-like shape. This type of pasta is often used in macaroni and cheese dishes and other pasta-based casseroles.
29 Lacking luster: MATTE
“Matte” is a term used to describe a flat, non-shiny surface or finish. In the context of cosmetics, a “matte” look is often achieved by using products that don’t contain shimmer or glitter.
30 Trying to resolve a tie, briefly: IN OT
“In OT” is short for “in overtime,” which is a term used in sports to describe a situation where a game is tied at the end of regulation time, and extra time is added to determine a winner.
32 __-fired: COAL
“Coal-fired” is an adjective used to describe things that are powered by burning coal. This term is often used to describe power plants, locomotives, and other industrial equipment that burn coal as a fuel source.
34 Former union members?: EXES
In this context, “exes” is a play on words, as it can refer both to former members of a labor union and to former romantic partners, as in “ex-husbands” or “ex-boyfriends.”
37 Side to side?: WIDTH
“Width” is a term used to describe the measurement of a space or object from side to side. In this crossword clue, the question mark indicates that the answer is a play on words, as “side to side” is another way of describing the width of something.
42 Alley follower: -OOP
The answer to this crossword clue is a word that ends with “-oop” and can follow the word “alley” to form a compound word. Examples of words that fit this pattern include “stoop” (alley follower = stoop alley) and “coop” (alley follower = coop alley).
44 Aerie newborn: EAGLET
An “eaglet” is a baby eagle. Eagles are birds of prey that belong to the family Accipitridae, and they are known for their sharp talons and powerful beaks.
45 Title horse in a Mary O’Hara children’s novel: FLICKA
“Flicka” is the title character of a children’s novel by Mary O’Hara. The novel, which was first published in 1941, tells the story of a wild mustang filly named Flicka and her relationship with a young boy named Ken. The novel has been adapted into several movies and TV shows over the years.
47 Unsettling look: STARE
A “stare” is a prolonged, intense gaze that can be perceived as unsettling or uncomfortable. This term can be used to describe both intentional and unintentional stares.
48 Half-note feature: STEM
In music notation, a “stem” is the vertical line that extends from the head of a note (the round part) to the flag (the diagonal line) or the beam (the horizontal line) that connects it to other notes. Half notes have stems that point upwards when they are located below the middle line of the staff, and downwards when they are located above the middle line.
50 Weakens: EBBS
To “ebb” is to gradually recede or diminish, like the tide going out. This term can be used to describe the weakening or lessening of a wide range of things, from physical strength to emotional intensity.
51 White __: hard seltzer brand: CLAW
“White Claw” is a brand of hard seltzer, an alcoholic beverage made from carbonated water, alcohol, and natural flavors. White Claw has become particularly popular in recent years, especially among younger drinkers who are looking for lower-calorie and lower-carbohydrate alternatives to beer.
52 The law: PO-PO
“Po-po” is a slang term that is sometimes used to refer to the police. This term is believed to have originated in the 1970s or 1980s and is often used in hip-hop music and other forms of urban culture. The origin of the term is not entirely clear, but it is thought to be derived from a variety of sources, including the French word “poupeau” (which means “doll”) and the English word “policeman.”
53 Fromage hue: BLEU
“Bleu” is the French word for “blue,” and is often used to describe blue-veined cheeses such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton. These cheeses are made by introducing penicillium cultures into the cheese during the aging process, which results in the characteristic blue veins and pungent flavor.
54 Barcelona-born muralist: SERT
Josep Maria Sert i Badia (1874-1945) was a Spanish painter and muralist who was born in Barcelona. Sert was known for his large-scale murals and decorative schemes, which were often commissioned for public buildings and private residences. He was associated with a number of artistic movements throughout his career, including Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and Cubism.
56 Jenny, e.g.: ASS
In this crossword clue, “Jenny” is a reference to a female donkey. “Ass” is a term that can be used to refer to a donkey of either gender, although it is often used specifically to refer to male donkeys.
58 Dads and lads: HES
In this crossword clue, “hes” is a shortened form of the word “males.” The clue is a play on words, as “dads and lads” can be interpreted as “fathers and sons,” which are both male family members.
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