Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Thursday March 9th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Mixes in: ADDS
When you mix in something, you add it to a mixture or combine it with other ingredients. This can be done in cooking, where you might mix in spices to a recipe or add different ingredients to make a batter. The word “adds” emphasizes the action of incorporating something into a mixture or solution.
5 Pricing word: EACH
“EACH” is a pricing word that indicates the price of a single unit or item. For example, if a store sells pencils for $0.50 each, it means that you would pay $0.50 for one pencil. This word is commonly used in retail settings to provide clarity to customers about the cost of individual items.
9 Tidied, as a lawn: EDGED
When you edge a lawn, you create a distinct boundary between the grass and other areas, such as a garden bed or walkway. This gives the lawn a tidy appearance and can also help to prevent grass from spreading into unwanted areas. The word “edged” describes the process of creating these boundaries along the edges of the lawn.
14 “An Officer and a Gentleman” star: GERE
Richard Gere is an American actor known for his roles in movies such as “Pretty Woman,” “Chicago,” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.” In the latter film, he played the lead role of Zack Mayo, a U.S. Navy aviation officer candidate. The clue is referring to Gere’s role in this movie as a way of identifying him.
15 Run the show: RULE
To “run the show” means to be in charge or have control over a particular situation or group of people. This can apply to various contexts, such as a business, a sports team, or even a household. The word “rule” in this context emphasizes the idea of having authority and power over others.
16 Many a flower girl: NIECE
A “flower girl” is a young girl who walks down the aisle during a wedding ceremony, scattering flower petals as she goes. Many times, the flower girl is a niece of the bride or groom, although she can also be a family friend or another young relative. The word “niece” is used in this clue to suggest that the flower girl is often a family member of the bride or groom.
17 Lotion component: ALOE
Aloe vera is a plant that is often used in skincare products, including lotions. The gel from the aloe vera plant is believed to have moisturizing and healing properties, which can help to soothe and nourish the skin. The word “aloe” in this clue suggests that aloe vera is a common component of lotions.
18 Wyoming national park: GRAND TETON
Grand Teton National Park is located in northwestern Wyoming and is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, including the Teton Range. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The clue is referring to the name of the park as a way of identifying it.
20 Charmin maker, familiarly: P AND G
P&G, or Procter & Gamble, is a multinational consumer goods company that produces a variety of household products, including Charmin toilet paper. The word “familiarly” in this clue suggests that P&G is a well-known and recognizable name in the consumer goods industry.
22 Put forward: ASSERT
To “assert” something means to state or declare it confidently and forcefully. This can be done in various contexts, such as making an argument or expressing an opinion. The word “put forward” in this clue suggests that asserting something involves presenting it as a clear and definitive statement.
23 Needle hole: EYE
The “eye” of a needle refers to the small hole at the top of the needle through which the thread is passed. The size of the eye can vary depending on the size of the needle, and it can be challenging to thread a needle if the eye is too small or the thread is too thick.
24 Nocturnal birds of prey: OWLS
Owls are birds of prey that are known for their nocturnal habits and distinctive facial features, including large eyes and a facial disc that helps to direct sound towards their ears. They are skilled hunters that feed on a variety of prey, including rodents, insects, and other birds.
26 Chicken tikka __: MASALA
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of marinated chicken that is grilled and then simmered in a spicy tomato-based sauce. The word “masala” refers to a blend of spices that are used to flavor the dish, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
30 “Everything must go” event: SALE
A “sale” is an event or promotion in which items are offered at a discounted price. The phrase “everything must go” suggests that the sale is being held to clear out inventory or make room for new items. Sales are common in retail settings and are often used to attract customers and increase sales.
32 De-pleat?: IRON
To “de-pleat” something means to remove or smooth out any pleats that may be present. This can be done using an iron to press the fabric flat. The clue uses the question mark to suggest that “de-pleat” may not be a commonly used term, but it is still a valid way to describe the action of removing pleats.
34 Hor. map line: LAT
A “lat” is a horizontal line on a map that indicates latitude, which is a measure of a location’s distance from the equator. Latitude lines run parallel to the equator and are used to help locate a specific point on the globe. The word “hor.” in this clue is short for “horizontal,” which is another way to describe a line that runs parallel to the ground.
35 Guitar lesson basics: CHORDS
A “chord” is a group of notes played together on a guitar (or other musical instrument) to create a specific sound or tone. Chords are the building blocks of most songs and are essential for beginners to learn when taking guitar lessons. Basic chords include major and minor chords, as well as power chords and barre chords.
37 Military title for POTUS: CINC
“CINC” stands for “Commander-in-Chief,” which is a military title given to the President of the United States. As Commander-in-Chief, the President is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of the U.S. Armed Forces.
38 JFK alternative: LGA
“LGA” is the airport code for LaGuardia Airport, which is located in Queens, New York. The clue is suggesting that LaGuardia Airport is an alternative to JFK Airport (John F. Kennedy International Airport), which is another major airport located in the New York City area.
39 “Tabula rasa” philosopher John: LOCKE
John Locke was an English philosopher and physician who lived in the 17th century. He is best known for his theories on the nature of knowledge, including the idea of the “tabula rasa,” or the concept that the human mind is a blank slate at birth and that knowledge is acquired through experience and observation. Locke’s ideas have had a significant influence on modern philosophy, psychology, and political theory.
40 Video chat annoyance: LAG
Lag is a common annoyance when video chatting or using other real-time communication technologies. It refers to a delay between when a person speaks or moves and when that action is seen or heard by the other person. Lag can be caused by a variety of factors, including slow internet speeds, high network traffic, and software or hardware issues.
41 Live coal: EMBER
An ember is a small, glowing piece of coal or wood that remains after a fire has burned down. Embers can be used to start a new fire by blowing on them to create a flame, and they are also used in cooking techniques like smoking and grilling.
43 Hobbit enemy: ORC
Orcs are a fictional species in J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” novels. They are depicted as ugly, brutish creatures that are often in conflict with the book’s protagonists, including hobbits, elves, and dwarves.
44 __ polish: NAIL
Nail polish is a cosmetic product used to decorate and protect fingernails and toenails. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes and is applied in layers, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next.
46 “The View” Emmy winner Shepherd: SHERRI
Sherri Shepherd is an American actress, comedian, and television host who is best known for her co-hosting role on the daytime talk show “The View.” She won an Emmy Award in 2009 for her work on the show and has also appeared in numerous films and television series throughout her career.
47 Purpose: USE
The word “use” refers to the practical application of something, or the reason why it is used or needed. For example, a hammer is used to drive nails, and a computer is used for work or entertainment.
48 Gurgling sound: GLUG
The word “glug” describes a gurgling sound, often associated with the sound of liquid being poured or flowing out of a container. It can also refer to the act of pouring a liquid in a way that produces this sound.
49 Post-WWII alliance: NATO
NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is a political and military alliance formed in 1949 after World War II. The alliance was formed to provide collective defense against potential military threats, with member countries agreeing to come to each other’s aid in the event of an attack.
50 “Wiggle” singer Jason: DERULO
Jason Derulo is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer who is known for his pop and R&B music. He has released several hit songs, including “Talk Dirty,” “Want to Want Me,” and “Wiggle,” which features a guest appearance from rapper Snoop Dogg.
52 Sushi prep verb: ROLL
The word “roll” is often used in the context of sushi preparation, where it refers to the act of wrapping rice, fish, and other ingredients in seaweed (nori) to create a cylindrical shape. Sushi rolls come in a variety of styles and flavors, with popular options including California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and dragon rolls.
54 Brewpub barrel: KEG
A keg is a container, typically made of metal, that is used to store and dispense beer or other types of carbonated beverages. Kegs are commonly used in brewpubs, bars, and other establishments that serve draft beer.
57 Meditate on: PONDER
To ponder is to think deeply and carefully about something. It involves reflecting on an issue or question and considering different perspectives and possibilities. Pondering can be a helpful practice for gaining insight, making decisions, and gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
59 Gibbons of talk TV: LEEZA
Leeza Gibbons is an American television personality and talk show host. She is best known for hosting the daytime talk show “Leeza,” which aired from 1993 to 2000. Gibbons has also appeared on a variety of other television programs, including “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Apprentice.”
61 “No need to mince words”: LET’S BE REAL
The phrase “let’s be real” is often used in informal conversation to emphasize the speaker’s honesty or sincerity. It implies a desire to speak candidly and straightforwardly, without any pretense or unnecessary politeness.
65 __ pricing: UNIT
Unit pricing is a method of pricing goods or services based on the cost per unit, such as per ounce, per pound, or per item. It is often used in grocery stores and other retail settings to help customers compare prices and make informed purchasing decisions.
66 Think alike: AGREE
To agree is to have a similar or shared opinion about something. It involves finding common ground with another person or group and reaching a mutual understanding. Agreement is often seen as a positive outcome in social and professional settings, as it can help facilitate cooperation and collaboration.
67 “West Side Story” pair: ACTS
“West Side Story” is a musical that was first produced on Broadway in 1957. It is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” set in the context of gang violence between two rival groups in New York City. The pair referred to in this clue are the two main characters, Tony and Maria.
68 Old character: RUNE
A rune is a character or symbol that was used in ancient Germanic languages, such as Old Norse and Old English. Runes were typically carved into wood, stone, or metal and used for writing, divination, and other purposes.
69 The Brownings, e.g.: POETS
The Brownings were a famous literary couple in the 19th century. Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning were both poets who wrote some of the most enduring works of the Victorian era. Some of their most famous poems include Robert Browning’s “My Last Duchess” and Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “How Do I Love Thee?”
70 Garden annoyance: WEED
A weed is any unwanted plant that grows in a garden or other area where it is not desired. Weeds can be harmful to other plants, as they often compete for nutrients, water, and sunlight. They can also be unsightly and difficult to remove.
71 Newspaper commentary: OP-ED
An op-ed, short for “opposite the editorial page,” is a type of newspaper article that expresses the opinion of the author. Op-eds are typically written by outside contributors, rather than staff writers, and they are meant to offer a unique perspective on current events or issues of public concern.
DOWN
1 Obviously impressed: AGAPE – This phrase describes a facial expression or body language indicating astonishment or amazement.
2 Supply chain inconvenience: DELAY – A delay is a situation where a shipment, delivery, or other planned event is postponed or rescheduled, causing inconvenience and disruption to the supply chain.
3 Sport with teams of quadcopters: DRONE SOCCER – Drone soccer is a new and exciting sport that involves teams of quadcopters competing against each other to score goals using a ball.
4 Tourney rank: SEED – In a tournament, the seed is a ranking given to each team or player based on their perceived strength or ability.
5 Rowing machine, informally: ERG – An erg is a common nickname for a rowing machine, which is used for indoor rowing workouts.
6 Hearing-related: AURAL – Aural refers to anything related to the sense of hearing, including sounds, speech, and other auditory stimuli.
7 Period of the Peloponnesian Wars: CLASSICAL GREECE – Classical Greece was a period in ancient Greek history that lasted from the 5th century BCE to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. It was a time of great cultural and intellectual advancement, and is often referred to as the golden age of Greece.
8 Layers on a farm: HENS – Hens are female chickens that are kept on farms for the purpose of laying eggs. They are often kept in large groups or flocks.
9 Foyer: ENTRANCE HALL – An entrance hall is a room or area in a building that is situated near the entrance and is used as a reception area or waiting room.
10 Eating patterns: DIETS – A diet is a person’s habitual pattern of eating and drinking. It can refer to a specific type of food or eating plan, or it can describe a person’s overall dietary habits.
11 Word before “Shorty,” “Smart,” “Hard,” and “Out,” in film titles: GET – The word “get” is often used as a verb in film titles to imply action or movement, such as “Get Shorty,” “Get Smart,” “Get Hard,” and “Get Out.”
12 Environmental prefix: ECO- – The prefix “eco-” is used to refer to anything related to the environment or ecology, such as eco-friendly products, eco-tourism, or eco-activism.
13 Bear’s lair: DEN – A den is a natural or artificial shelter used by various animals as a place to rest, sleep, or raise their young. In the case of bears, a den is a hibernation spot used during the winter months.
19 Evil spirit: DEMON – A demon is a malevolent supernatural being prevalent in many religions, occult traditions, and mythologies.
21 Hollywood Foreign Press Association awards: GOLDEN GLOBES – The Golden Globe Awards are accolades presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to recognize excellence in film and television, both domestic and foreign.
25 Director Craven: WES – Wes Craven was an American film director, writer, producer, and actor, known for his work in the horror genre. He directed many popular horror films, including “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” and “The
Hills Have Eyes.”
27 Emotionally crushed, and an apt description of the circled elements in this puzzle?: ALL BROKEN UP – “All broken up” is an idiomatic expression that means to be emotionally devastated or shattered.
28 Beer choice: LAGER – Lager is a type of beer that is conditioned at low temperatures, resulting in a clean, crisp taste. It is one of the most popular styles of beer worldwide.
29 Centipede maker: ATARI – Atari is a video game company that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. They produced many classic arcade games, including Centipede, a popular game in which players control a character that must shoot at and avoid various insects.
31 Ararat lander: ARK – In the Bible, the ark was a large boat built by Noah to save himself, his family, and a pair of every animal from a worldwide flood. The story is a central narrative in the Book of Genesis.
33 Semi: RIG – A semi-truck, also known as a semi or a rig, is a large vehicle used for hauling freight.
35 Billowy mass: CLOUD – A cloud is a visible mass of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds come in many shapes and sizes and are an important part of the water cycle.
36 Belmont Stakes racer: HORSE – The Belmont Stakes is an American Grade I stakes Thoroughbred horse race held on the first or second Saturday in June at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. The race is the final leg of the Triple Crown and is run at a distance of 1 1/2 miles.
40 Shang-Chi player Simu: LIU – Simu Liu is a Canadian actor known for his role as Shang-Chi in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.”
42 Converged: MET – When two or more things come together or merge, they converge. The word “met” is a past tense form of the verb “meet,” which is often used in this context.
45 Without help: ALONE – To be alone is to be without the company or assistance of others. The word can refer to a physical state or an emotional state, such as feeling isolated or disconnected from others.
46 Punkie Johnson’s NBC show: SNL
Punkie Johnson is a comedian, writer, and actress who joined the cast of the long-running sketch comedy show
“Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2021. SNL is a live television program that features a mix of sketch comedy, musical performances, and celebrity guest appearances. The show has been on the air since 1975 and is known for its political satire and social commentary, as well as its comedic sketches.
51 Part of a Cinderella story: UPSET
In the context of a Cinderella story, an upset refers to a surprising victory by an underdog or lesser-known character. The term “Cinderella story” comes from the fairy tale of “Cinderella,” in which a poor and mistreated young woman overcomes her circumstances to marry a prince. In sports, an upset might refer to a lower-ranked team or individual defeating a higher-ranked opponent, often in a dramatic or unexpected fashion.
53 Give a speech: ORATE
To orate is to give a formal speech, often in a public setting. Oratory is a skill that can be developed through practice, and it is valued in many professions, including politics, law, and public speaking. Orators may use a variety of techniques to engage their audience, including storytelling, humor, and persuasive argumentation.
55 Online periodical: E-ZINE
An e-zine is a digital or online magazine, typically published on the internet. E-zines can cover a wide range of topics, from news and politics to pop culture and entertainment. They often feature multimedia content, such as videos and interactive graphics, and can be updated more frequently than print magazines.
56 __ community: GATED
A gated community is a residential area that is enclosed by a physical barrier, such as a fence or wall, and often features security measures like cameras and guards. Gated communities are typically associated with wealth and exclusivity, and they may offer amenities like golf courses, swimming pools, and private parks.
58 Common result in championship chess: DRAW
In chess, a draw occurs when neither player is able to win the game. This can happen if both players have equal pieces and no viable moves, or if one player offers a draw and the other accepts. Draws are common in high-level chess games, especially in situations where both players are playing very defensively or when one player has a strong advantage but is unable to secure a win.
60 Currency symbolized by : EURO
The euro is the official currency of the European Union and is symbolized by the euro sign (€). It is used by 19 of the 27 European Union countries, and is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar. The euro was introduced in 1999 and became the official currency of many European countries in 2002.
61 Track circuit: LAP
A lap is a complete circuit of a track, typically used in racing or other sports. It is the distance traveled by a competitor from the starting point to the finish line and back to the starting point. The number of laps in a race can vary depending on the length of the track and the event.
62 Self-image: EGO
In psychology, the ego refers to the conscious self, or the part of the psyche that mediates between the unconscious mind and external reality. The ego is responsible for a person’s sense of identity, and can be influenced by factors such as culture, upbringing, and life experiences. A healthy ego is considered important for mental and emotional well-being, but an excessive or unhealthy ego can lead to narcissistic behavior and other personality disorders.
63 Italian three: TRE
“TRE” is the Italian word for the number three. It is part of the Italian language, which is spoken by approximately 85 million people worldwide, primarily in Italy and other parts of Europe. Italian is a Romance language and is closely related to other Romance languages such as Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
64 Psychedelic letters: LSD
LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, is a powerful hallucinogenic drug that can cause profound changes in perception, thought, and mood. It was first synthesized in 1938 and gained popularity as a recreational drug during the counterculture movement of the 1960s. LSD is known for producing intense visual hallucinations, altered states of consciousness, and a sense of profound interconnectedness with the universe. Its effects can last up to 12 hours and can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous. While LSD is illegal in many countries, it is sometimes used in medical research for its potential therapeutic benefits in treating mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
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