Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Thursday April 6th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Novel units: PAGES
This clue refers to the number of pages that a novel consists of. A novel is a long-form work of fiction that is typically divided into chapters and can range in length from around 40,000 words to over 200,000 words. The number of pages in a novel can vary depending on factors such as the font size, margins, and line spacing used in the printed edition.
6 “The Good Place” Emmy nominee Rudolph: MAYA
Maya Rudolph is an American actress, comedian, and singer who was nominated for an Emmy Award for her role as “Judge” on the TV series “The Good Place”. Rudolph has also appeared in a number of other TV shows and movies, including “Saturday Night Live”, “Bridesmaids”, and “Big Mouth”.
10 Missing reveille, perhaps: AWOL
“AWOL” stands for “absent without leave”, which is a military term used to describe someone who is absent from their assigned duty without permission. In this context, the clue is suggesting that the person who is “missing reveille” (a military term for the morning bugle call that signals the start of the day) is potentially absent without leave.
14 Cornmeal cake similar to a gordita: AREPA
An arepa is a type of cornmeal cake that is popular in many Latin American countries, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. It is similar in shape and size to a gordita, but is made with a different type of cornmeal and has a softer texture. Arepas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including cheese, meat, and avocado.
15 Library of Congress collection: AMERICANA
“Americana” refers to artifacts, materials, and works of art that are related to American history, culture, and folklore. The Library of Congress has a large collection of Americana materials, including manuscripts, maps, photographs, and prints.
17 One who takes the fall: PATSY
In this context, a “patsy” is someone who is set up or framed for a crime or wrongdoing. The term is often used in the context of a criminal or political conspiracy where one person is used as a scapegoat to take the blame for the actions of others.
18 Takes a fall: NOSE-DIVES
To “nose-dive” is to plunge headfirst or to take a sudden, steep downward trajectory. The phrase “takes a fall” can be used figuratively to describe someone who experiences a sudden and dramatic setback or failure, such as a business or political leader whose reputation is damaged by a scandal or controversy.
19 Not to mention : ALSO
The phrase “not to mention” is often used to introduce an additional point or fact, and the word “also” can be used to express the same idea. For example, “She’s an excellent writer, not to mention a talented musician. Also, she speaks three languages fluently.”
20 USO audience : GIS
The USO (United Service Organizations) is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment and other programs to military service members and their families. “GI” is a term that stands for “Government Issue,” which was commonly used to refer to U.S. military personnel during World War II and later.
21 Sings some high notes? : YODELS
Yodeling is a style of singing that involves rapidly alternating between a low chest voice and a high head voice. It is often associated with Swiss folk music, but is also used in other genres. The clue is a play on words, as “high notes” can refer to both the literal high-pitched sounds made in yodeling, as well as the fact that yodeling often involves singing from high altitudes, such as in the mountains.
22 Office chore : EMAIL
Email is a common form of communication in many workplaces, and sending and responding to emails can be a tedious and time-consuming task, hence the reference to it as an “office chore.”
24 Early ISP : AOL
AOL (America Online) was one of the earliest Internet service providers (ISPs), offering dial-up internet access to millions of users in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was also known for its email service, instant messaging, and other online features.
25 Sully : MAR
“Sully” is a verb that can mean to damage or tarnish the reputation of something or someone. “Mar” is another word that can be used to mean the same thing. For example, “The scandal sullied the company’s reputation” and “The accusations marred his political career.”
27 Spacewalk initials : EVA
EVA stands for “extravehicular activity,” which is any activity that takes place outside of a spacecraft or space station while an astronaut is wearing a spacesuit. This can include spacewalks, repairs, and scientific experiments. The clue is asking for the initials that represent this type of activity.
28 Informal “No reason” : JUST CUZ
This crossword clue is asking for a casual way of saying “No reason.” The answer is “JUST CUZ,” which is short for “just because.” This expression is often used to indicate that there is no particular reason for something, or to dismiss the idea that there needs to be a reason for something.
33 Asylum seeker, perhaps : EMIGRE
The crossword clue “Asylum seeker, perhaps” is hinting at someone who is seeking refuge or protection in another country due to persecution, war, or other forms of violence or danger in their home country. The answer is “EMIGRE,” which refers to someone who has left their home country to settle in another place, often for political or economic reasons.
35 __ Mahal : TAJ
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a famous monument. The answer is “TAJ Mahal,” which is a white marble mausoleum in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
36 U2 lead singer : BONO
This crossword clue is asking for the name of the lead singer of the Irish rock band U2. The answer is “BONO,” which is the stage name of Paul David Hewson. Bono is known for his distinctive singing voice and his social and political activism. He has been the lead vocalist of U2 since the band formed in 1976.
37 Singer Celine : DION
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a Canadian singer. The answer is “DION,” which refers to Celine Dion. She is known for her powerful and emotive singing voice and has sold over 200 million records worldwide. She has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and two Academy Awards for her contributions to film soundtracks.
38 2013 Literature Nobelist Alice : MUNRO
This crossword clue is asking for the name of the winner of the 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature. The answer is “MUNRO,” which refers to Alice Munro. She is a Canadian author known for her short stories that often focus on the complexities of small-town life. Her works have been praised for their insightful portrayals of human relationships and the way they capture the nuances of everyday life.
40 Paintballs, e.g. : AMMO
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a type of ammunition that is used in a non-lethal form of combat called paintball. The answer is “AMMO,” which is short for “ammunition.” In paintball, players use guns that fire small, gelatin capsules filled with paint to eliminate opponents from the game. These capsules are commonly called “paintballs,” and are considered to be a type of ammunition because they are fired from a weapon.
41 Request after eating too many jalapeños : AGUA
This crossword clue is asking for a phrase that someone might use after eating spicy food, specifically jalapeños. The answer is “AGUA,” which is Spanish for “water.” Drinking water can help to alleviate the burning sensation in the mouth that can be caused by eating spicy foods.
42 Defib expert : EMT
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to someone who is skilled in using a defibrillator. The answer is “EMT,” which is short for “Emergency Medical Technician.” EMTs are trained to provide emergency medical care in a variety of settings, including in the field, in ambulances, and in hospitals. They are often the first responders to medical emergencies and are responsible for assessing the patient’s condition, providing appropriate medical treatment, and transporting the patient to a hospital if necessary.
43 Hall of Famer Abdul-Jabbar : KAREEM
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a basketball player who is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. The answer is “KAREEM,” which refers to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and is known for his skyhook shot, which he used to great effect throughout his career. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and six MVP awards.
45 NASCAR climax : LAST LAP
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to the final lap of a NASCAR race. The answer is “LAST LAP,” which is the final lap of a race. It is often the most exciting part of the race, as drivers jockey for position and try to make a final push for the finish line.
47 Taste : SIP
This crossword clue is asking for a word that refers to a small amount of liquid consumed in a single instance. The answer is “SIP,” which refers to a small taste of a drink. It is often used to describe the act of taking a small amount of a beverage, such as wine or tea, in order to evaluate its taste or quality.
48 Extra qtrs. : OTS
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to extra quarters, or 25-cent coins. The answer is “OTS,” which is short for “quarters.” Quarters are a type of coin used in the United States and are worth 25 cents each. They are often used in vending machines, parking meters, and other coin-operated devices.
49 Sit-up targets : ABS
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to the muscles that are targeted by sit-ups. The answer is “ABS,” which is short for “abdominals.” The abdominal muscles are a group of muscles located in the abdomen and are responsible for supporting the spine and maintaining posture. Sit-ups are a common exercise used to strengthen these muscles.
50 “The Smartest Guys in the Room” company : ENRON
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a company that was featured in the book and documentary film “The Smartest Guys in the Room,” which chronicled the rise and fall of the company. The answer is “ENRON,” which was a Houston-based energy company that became one of the largest companies in the United States in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, in 2001, it was revealed that the company had engaged in massive accounting fraud, which led to its bankruptcy and the conviction of several of its top executives.
52 Like “Marriage Story” but not “Toy Story” : RATED-R
This crossword clue is asking for a term that describes a movie that is suitable only for adults, and is not suitable for children. The answer is “RATED-R,” which is a movie rating issued by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). An R-rated movie is one that is not suitable for children under 17 years of age without a parent or guardian, due to its adult content, language, violence, or other factors.
56 Trough guy : PIG
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to an animal that is often associated with eating from a trough. The answer is “PIG,” which is a domesticated mammal that is commonly raised for its meat. Pigs are known for their voracious appetite and are often depicted as eating from a trough in cartoons and other media.
57 4K display, e.g. : HDTV
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to a high-definition television display. The answer is “HDTV,” which stands for “High-Definition Television.” HDTVs have a resolution of at least 720 pixels vertically and 1,280 pixels horizontally, and are capable of displaying high-quality video and images.
60 “Lay it on me” : I’M ALL EARS
This crossword clue is asking for a phrase that means “I am ready and willing to listen to what you have to say.” The answer is “I’M ALL EARS,” which is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that the listener is interested in hearing what the speaker has to say and is ready to pay attention.
62 Greek gathering place : AGORA
This crossword clue is asking for a term that refers to a public gathering place in ancient Greece. The answer is “AGORA,” which was a central meeting place in ancient Greek cities, used for political, commercial, and social activities. The agora was typically an open space in the center of the city, surrounded by shops, buildings, and public monuments.
63 Fightin’ words : LEMME AT ‘EM
This crossword clue is asking for a phrase that someone might use to express a desire to fight or confront someone. The answer is “LEMME AT ‘EM,” which is a contraction of “let me at them.” It is an idiomatic expression used to express one’s willingness to fight or confront someone.
64 Victorious cry : WE WON
This crossword clue is asking for a phrase that someone might shout to express their victory in a competition or contest. The answer is “WE WON,” which is a simple and direct expression of triumph after achieving a victory.
65 Petrol brand : ESSO
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a brand of gasoline. The answer is “ESSO,” which is a brand of gasoline that is marketed by ExxonMobil. It was originally founded in the United States in 1911 and has since become a global brand.
66 “Girl on Fire” singer Alicia : KEYS
This crossword clue is asking for the name of a singer who is known for the song “Girl on Fire.” The answer is “KEYS,” which refers to Alicia Keys, an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. “Girl on Fire” is one of her most popular songs, released in 2012.
67 Allows to use for a bit : LENDS
This crossword clue is asking for a verb that means to give someone temporary use or possession of something. The answer is “LENDS,” which is the act of giving someone the temporary use or possession of something, such as money, a book, or a tool. Lending implies that the item will be returned to the owner after a certain period of time.
DOWN
1 Dada : PAPA
The clue is referring to the art movement called Dada, which originated in Zurich, Switzerland, during World War I. The movement was characterized by its rejection of traditional art and cultural values, and its embrace of irrationality and absurdity. The answer to the clue, PAPA, is a word that sounds similar to Dada and can also mean “father.”
2 Rapidly drying Asian sea : ARAL
The Aral Sea is a landlocked body of water located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia. Due to excessive irrigation and other human activities, the sea has shrunk dramatically over the past few decades, and it is now considered one of the world’s worst environmental disasters. The answer to the clue is ARAL, which is the name of the sea.
3 *”Really?” : GET SERIOUS
This clue is an example of a crossword puzzle convention where an asterisk is used to indicate a phrase rather than a single word. The answer to the clue, GET SERIOUS, is a phrase that means “are you kidding me?” or “is that really true?”
4 __ salts : EPSOM
Epsom salts are a type of magnesium sulfate that are often used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes, such as to relieve muscle pain, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health. The answer to the clue is EPSOM, which is the name of the town in England where the salts were first discovered.
5 “I’ve been meaning to ask … ” : SAY
This clue is referring to the beginning of a conversation where someone is about to ask a question they have been thinking about for a while. The answer to the clue, SAY, is a word that can be used to introduce a question or a statement.
6 Capital city on Luzon : MANILA
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines, and Manila is its capital city. The city is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and bustling urban life. The answer to the clue is MANILA.
7 John of “Roots” and “The West Wing” : AMOS
John Amos is an actor known for his roles in several popular TV shows, including “Roots” and “The West Wing.” The answer to the clue is AMOS, which is his last name.
8 “Hallelujah!”: This is an exclamation of praise or joy. It is often used in religious contexts to express gratitude or admiration for God. The answer to this clue is YES, which can also be an exclamation of agreement or affirmation.
9 *”Really?”: This is a question used to express surprise or disbelief. The answer to this clue is ARE YOU JOKING, which is a phrase used to convey that the speaker finds something unbelievable or absurd.
10 Prilosec target: Prilosec is a medication used to treat acid-related stomach problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The answer to this clue is ACID, which refers to the stomach acid that causes these problems.
11 Greet silently: This refers to a greeting that does not involve speaking. The answer to this clue is WAVE, which is a gesture of greeting or farewell that involves moving the hand back and forth.
12 Scott Turow book: Scott Turow is an American author known for his legal thrillers. The answer to this clue is ONE L, which is the title of his first book. The title refers to the first year of law school, which is sometimes called “first year, first semester, first class, first year of law school,” or “one L.”
13 Gal: This is a term used to refer to a young woman or girl. The answer to this clue is LASS, which is a Scottish term that means “girl” or “young woman.”
16 Megastars: This refers to celebrities who are extremely popular and well-known. The answer to this clue is IDOLS, which can refer to people who are worshipped or admired, or to a popular television show in which contestants compete to become the next singing sensation.
20 *”Really?” : GIVE ME A BREAK
This is a phrase used to express disbelief or annoyance when someone says something that seems unlikely or unreasonable. It’s often used sarcastically to indicate that the speaker thinks the other person is being unreasonable. The phrase can also be used to ask someone to stop bothering you or to give you some space.
23 __ Lingus : AER
Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland. It was founded in 1936 and is headquartered in Dublin. The airline operates flights to destinations in Europe, North America, and Africa.
24 Barely open : AJAR
This word describes something that is slightly open. It’s often used to describe a door or a window that’s not fully closed but not fully open either.
25 Gold __ flour : MEDAL
Gold Medal flour is a brand of flour that’s been around since 1880. It’s made from high-quality wheat and is known for its consistent performance in baking. The name “Gold Medal” was chosen to reflect the flour’s superior quality and performance.
26 Latina friend : AMIGA
This is a Spanish word that means “friend.” It’s often used to refer to a female friend, especially in Latin American countries. The word has also been adopted by English speakers as a way to refer to a close female friend.
29 Alternative to an uphill climb : T-BAR
A T-bar is a type of ski lift that’s used to transport skiers up a mountain. It consists of a T-shaped bar that skiers can grab onto as they’re pulled up the mountain. It’s often used as an alternative to an uphill climb because it allows skiers to conserve energy and focus on the downhill portion of the run.
30 “The Price Is Right” signature phrase, and an apt description of the answers to the starred clues : COME ON DOWN
This is a phrase that’s used on the TV game show “The Price Is Right” to invite contestants to come down to the stage and play the game. It’s often used in a dramatic, enthusiastic way to build excitement and anticipation for the game. In the context of these crossword clues, the phrase is an apt description because all of the starred clues are phrases that express disbelief, surprise, or excitement, which are similar to the emotions that contestants might feel when they’re invited to play the game.
31 Yet to be satisfied : UNMET
This is an adjective that describes something that has not been fulfilled or accomplished yet. It can refer to goals, expectations, needs, or desires that have not been met.
32 Goes lickety-split : ZOOMS
This phrase means to move very quickly or at a high speed. It’s often used to describe the movement of vehicles or people, and it implies a sense of excitement or urgency.
34 Pesky insect : GNAT
A gnat is a small flying insect that’s often found around water or damp areas. They can be annoying because they tend to swarm around people’s faces and can be difficult to swat away.
35 Blast letters : TNT
TNT is a powerful explosive that’s often used in construction, mining, and demolition. The letters “TNT” are often used as shorthand to refer to any kind of explosive material.
39 Ballpark judges : UMPS
Umps is a slang term for umpires, who are the officials who oversee baseball games. Umpires make calls on balls, strikes, and other aspects of the game, and they’re responsible for ensuring that the game is played fairly.
44 National Poetry mo. : APR
April is National Poetry Month in the United States, a month-long celebration of poetry and its role in culture and society. It was inaugurated by the Academy of American Poets in 1996 and has since become a popular event in schools, libraries, and other cultural institutions.
46 Big dipper : LADLE
A ladle is a large spoon with a long handle, used for serving soup, stew, or other liquids. The term “big dipper” is often used to refer to a ladle because of its shape, which resembles the constellation Ursa Major, also known as the Big Dipper.
47 Quakes : SEISMS
A seism is a shaking or tremor of the earth’s surface that’s usually caused by an earthquake. Seisms can be very destructive and can cause damage to buildings, roads, and other structures.
51 “Gosh!” : OH GEE
This is an expression of surprise or amazement. It’s often used to convey mild excitement or disbelief, and it’s a more polite alternative to more vulgar expressions of surprise.
52 Irritate but good : RILE
To rile someone means to irritate or provoke them. However, the word “good” in this clue suggests that the irritation is somewhat enjoyable or beneficial in some way.
53 Iowa State city : AMES
Ames is a city in central Iowa, home to Iowa State University. The city is known for its educational institutions, as well as its parks and recreational facilities.
54 Highlands hats : TAMS
A tam is a type of hat that originated in Scotland. It’s made of wool and has a rounded shape with a flat top. Tams are often worn as part of traditional Scottish dress, and they’re also popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
55 Monster who’s in his own world : ELMO
Elmo is a popular character from the children’s TV show “Sesame Street.” He’s a furry red monster who’s known for his high-pitched voice and childlike innocence. The phrase “who’s in his own world” suggests that Elmo is often preoccupied with his own thoughts and experiences, which is a common trait of young children.
56 Salmon, to bears : PREY
Prey is a term used to describe animals that are hunted and killed by other animals for food. In this case, salmon are a common prey for bears, who often catch them in rivers and streams during their annual migration.
58 Stepped : TROD
To trod means to walk or step on something, often in a forceful or heavy manner. It can also mean to follow a particular path or course.
59 “Off the Wall” sneakers brand : VANS
Vans is a popular brand of sneakers and skate shoes that’s known for its distinctive “Off the Wall” logo. The company was founded in 1966 in California and has since become a major player in the footwear industry.
61 Did lunch : ATE
To “do” lunch is a colloquialism that means to have lunch or eat a meal together. In this case, the clue is using the phrase “did lunch” as a play on words to mean “ate lunch.”
62 Leatherwork tool : AWL
An awl is a pointed tool used for making holes in leather or other materials. It’s often used in leatherworking and other crafts to create decorative patterns or stitch leather together.
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