Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Thursday May 11th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Arduous journeys: TREKS
A “trek” is a long and difficult journey, often taken on foot or by other means of transportation. The term is often associated with explorers, hikers, and adventurers who brave harsh conditions and difficult terrain to reach their destination. In crossword puzzles, the clue “Arduous journeys” is a common way of hinting at the word “treks.”
6 On the move: ASTIR
To be “astir” is to be in motion or to be active. The term is often used to describe a person or group of people who are busy or engaged in some sort of activity. In crossword puzzles, the clue “On the move” is a common way of hinting at the word “astir.”
11 Dr. J’s first pro league: ABA
“Dr. J” is a nickname for basketball player Julius Erving, who is widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. The “ABA” stands for the American Basketball Association, which was a professional basketball league that existed from 1967 to 1976. Erving played for the ABA’s Virginia Squires before moving on to the NBA.
14 Bleachers sign: HI MOM
In sports stadiums and arenas, fans often hold up signs to show their support for their favorite teams or players. One popular sign is “Hi Mom,” which is a way of acknowledging a parent’s support and encouragement. In crossword puzzles, the clue “Bleachers sign” is a common way of hinting at the phrase “Hi Mom.”
15 Extent: SCOPE
“Scope” refers to the range or extent of something, such as a project, investigation, or argument. The term is often used to describe the boundaries or limitations of a particular undertaking. In crossword puzzles, the clue “Extent” is a common way of hinting at the word “scope.”
16 Big finish?: RIG
In this context, the word “rig” is a shortened form of “rigging,” which refers to the ropes, cables, and other equipment used to control the sails and other parts of a ship. The clue “Big finish?” is a play on words, as “rigging” can also refer to the manipulation or fixing of something to achieve a desired outcome.
17 Song from “Anything Goes”: YOU’RE THE TOP
“You’re the Top” is a song from the 1934 musical “Anything Goes,” with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The song is a playful tribute to the virtues and accomplishments of a loved one, using a series of humorous comparisons and exaggerated claims. In crossword puzzles, the clue “Song from ‘Anything Goes'” is a common way of hinting at the title of the song, “You’re the Top.”
19 Shaved __ : ICE
This clue is asking for a three-letter word that completes the phrase “shaved __”. The answer is “ICE”, as in shaved ice, which is a popular frozen dessert made by shaving a block of ice and then adding flavored syrup on top.
20 Comic Boosler : ELAYNE
This clue is asking for the name of a comedian with the last name “Boosler”. The answer is “ELAYNE”, as in Elayne Boosler. She is a stand-up comedian and writer who has been performing since the 1970s.
21 Crunch at breakfast? : CAP’N
This clue is a play on words, using the word “crunch” to hint at the answer, which is “CAP’N” (short for “Captain”). The full answer is “CAP’N CRUNCH”, which is a brand of sweetened cereal that is popular for breakfast.
22 “Lodge 49” actor __ Russell : WYATT
This clue is asking for the name of an actor who appeared in the TV show “Lodge 49”. The answer is “WYATT”, as in Wyatt Russell. He is an American actor who has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “22 Jump Street” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier”.
24 Like some hockey goals : EMPTY-NET
This clue is asking for an adjective that describes a certain type of goal in hockey. The answer is “EMPTY-NET”, which refers to a goal that is scored when the opposing team’s goalie is not in the net, usually because they have been pulled from the game in order to add an extra attacker.
27 Pixar short about a steamed dumpling : BAO
This clue is asking for the name of a Pixar short film that features a steamed dumpling. The answer is “BAO”, which is a 2018 animated short film that tells the story of a Chinese-Canadian woman who becomes emotionally attached to a dumpling that comes to life.
28 Alien-seeking org. : SETI
This clue is asking for the name of an organization that searches for signs of extraterrestrial life. The answer is “SETI”, which stands for “Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence”. SETI researchers use various methods, including radio telescopes, to scan the sky for signals that may indicate the presence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe.
30 Kidneys, e.g. : ORGANS
This clue is asking for a six-letter word that describes what kidneys are. The answer is “ORGANS”. Organs are specialized structures within living things that perform specific functions. In humans, the kidneys are a pair of organs that filter waste products from the blood and excrete them as urine.
31 Does some grilling : ASKS
This clue is a bit tricky, as it uses a play on words to lead to the answer. The word “grilling” in this context is not referring to cooking food on a grill, but rather to the act of asking someone intense or thorough questions. Therefore, the answer is “ASKS”.
33 Arthurian island : AVALON
This clue is asking for the name of an island from Arthurian legend. The answer is “AVALON”. According to legend, Avalon was the place where King Arthur was taken to recover from his wounds after the Battle of Camlan. It was said to be a mystical island, home to powerful sorceresses and other magical beings.
35 Wet/dry garage cleaner : SHOP VAC
This clue is asking for a five-letter phrase that describes a type of garage cleaner that can be used on both wet and dry surfaces. The answer is “SHOP VAC”. A shop vac is a type of vacuum cleaner that is designed to be used in a workshop or garage environment. It can handle both wet and dry materials, making it a versatile tool for cleaning up spills and debris.
38 HBO subsidiary : CINEMAX
This clue is asking for the name of a subsidiary of the television network HBO. The answer is “CINEMAX”. Cinemax is a premium cable and streaming network that specializes in movies and original programming. It is owned by HBO’s parent company, WarnerMedia.
42 Clicker : REMOTE
This clue is asking for a six-letter word that is often used to refer to a device that controls a television or other electronic device. The answer is “REMOTE”. A remote control, or simply “remote”, is a handheld device that can be used to adjust the settings on a television, stereo, or other electronic device from a distance.
44 Rummikub piece : TILE
This clue is asking for the name of a small, rectangular game piece used in the game Rummikub. The answer is “TILE”. In Rummikub, players take turns placing numbered tiles in runs or sets in an effort to be the first to empty their rack. The game is similar to the card game Rummy, but uses tiles instead of cards.
45 Unruffled : SERENE
This clue is asking for a seven-letter word that means calm, peaceful, and untroubled. The answer is “SERENE”. Something that is serene is quiet, tranquil, and free from disturbance or agitation. It can describe a physical environment, a mental state, or a mood.
48 Caspian country : IRAN
This clue is asking for the name of a country that borders the Caspian Sea. The answer is “IRAN”. Iran is a large country in the Middle East that is known for its ancient history, rich culture, and diverse landscapes. It is bordered by several other countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
51 Here-there connection : NOR
This clue is asking for a three-letter word that connects the words “here” and “there”. The answer is “NOR”. In this context, “nor” is a conjunction that is used to link two negative phrases or ideas. For example, “I don’t like spinach, nor do I like Brussels sprouts.”
52 Pain relief brand : EXCEDRIN
This clue is asking for the name of a brand of pain relief medication. The answer is “EXCEDRIN”. Excedrin is a brand of over-the-counter medication that is used to treat headaches, migraines, and other types of pain. It contains a combination of aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine.
54 Olympic swimmer Ledecky : KATIE
This clue is asking for the name of a female Olympic swimmer. The answer is “KATIE”. Katie Ledecky is an American swimmer who has won multiple gold medals and set numerous world records in her career. She specializes in long-distance freestyle events, and is widely considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time.
56 Checkout IDs : UPCS
This clue is asking for a four-letter acronym that refers to the identification codes used on products at checkout. The answer is “UPCS”. UPCS stands for Universal Product Code, which is a standardized barcode system used to identify and track products in retail environments.
57 Fool’s gold : PYRITE
This clue is asking for the name of a mineral that is often mistaken for gold. The answer is “PYRITE”. Pyrite is a shiny, metallic mineral that is commonly known as “fool’s gold” because of its resemblance to actual gold. Unlike gold, however, pyrite has little to no value as a precious metal.
59 __ Speedwagon : REO
This clue is asking for the name of a rock band that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. The answer is “REO”. REO Speedwagon is an American rock band that was formed in Illinois in the late 1960s. They are best known for their hits “Keep On Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”.
60 End of a testy exchange, and what can be found four times in this puzzle, thanks to four black squares : PARTING SHOT
This clue is asking for a phrase that refers to a final remark made at the end of a conversation or argument. The answer is “PARTING SHOT”. In this crossword puzzle, the phrase can also be found four times thanks to the four black squares that separate the words “PART” and “SHOT” in each instance.
65 Each and every : ALL
This clue is asking for a three-letter word that means “each and every”. The answer is “ALL”. In this context, “all” means every member or part of a group, without exception. For example, “All the students in the class must pass the test in order to graduate.”
66 Prove useful : AVAIL
This clue is asking for a five-letter word that means “to prove useful or beneficial”. The answer is “AVAIL”. In this context, “avail” means to be of use, advantage, or benefit in a particular situation or circumstance. For example, “I hope this information will avail you in your research.”
67 Slip away from : ELUDE
This clue is asking for a six-letter verb that means “to escape or evade by cleverness or speed”. The answer is “ELUDE”. In this context, “elude” means to avoid or escape from someone or something by being quick or clever. For example, “The suspect managed to elude the police by running through the back alleys.”
68 Agcy. with a “3-1-1” rule for liquids : TSA
This clue is asking for the abbreviation of a US government agency that is responsible for the security of the traveling public in the United States. The answer is “TSA”. TSA stands for the Transportation Security Administration. The “3-1-1” rule is a TSA regulation that limits the amount of liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers can carry on board an airplane. Each passenger is allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols in containers that are no larger than 3.4 ounces.
69 “I did awesome!” : YAY ME
This clue is asking for a two-word phrase that expresses excitement or enthusiasm about one’s own accomplishments. The answer is “YAY ME”. In this context, “yay” is an exclamation of excitement or approval, and “me” refers to oneself. For example, “I aced my test! Yay me!”
70 Like Cheerios : OATEN
This clue is asking for a six-letter adjective that describes a type of cereal. The answer is “OATEN”. In this context, “oaten” means made from or containing oats. Cheerios is a brand of cereal made from whole-grain oats that are shaped into small, round pieces.
DOWN
1 Archaic possessive : THY
This clue is asking for a three-letter word that means “your” in old-fashioned or poetic language. The answer is “THY”. In this context, “thy” is a possessive adjective that is used to indicate ownership or association with the person being addressed. For example, “Thy hair is like a flock of goats” (Song of Solomon 4:1).
2 Christ the Redeemer locale : RIO
This clue is asking for the name of a city in Brazil that is home to a famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. The answer is “RIO”. Rio de Janeiro is a city located on the southeastern coast of Brazil, and it is famous for its beaches, music, and Carnival celebrations. The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Rio and one of the most famous landmarks in the world.
3 Earthbound bird : EMU
This clue is asking for the name of a flightless bird that is native to Australia. The answer is “EMU”. Emus are large, flightless birds that are part of the ratite family, which also includes ostriches, rheas, cassowaries, and kiwis. Emus are known for their long necks, powerful legs, and distinctive appearance.
4 Peninsula near Japan : KOREA
This clue is asking for the name of a peninsula that is located east of China and west of Japan. The answer is “KOREA”. The Korean Peninsula is a landmass that is divided into two countries: North Korea and South Korea. The peninsula is bordered by the Sea of Japan to the east, the Yellow Sea to the west, and the Korea Strait to the south.
5 Refines, as ore : SMELTS
This clue is asking for a six-letter verb that means “to extract a metal from its ore by melting and purifying it”. The answer is “SMELTS”. In this context, “smelt” means to heat and melt a metal in order to remove impurities and separate it from its ore. For example, “The ore was smelted in a furnace to produce pure iron.”
6 Like a used barbecue pit : ASHY
This clue is asking for a five-letter adjective that describes the appearance of a barbecue pit after it has been used. The answer is “ASHY”. In this context, “ashy” means covered in or containing ash, which is the powdery residue left behind after something is burned. For example, “The barbecue pit was left ashy after a long day of cooking meat.”
7 When, in Act I, Lear curses “a thankless child” : SCENE IV
This clue is asking for a two-word phrase that refers to a specific moment in William Shakespeare’s play “King Lear”. The answer is “SCENE IV”. Act I, Scene IV is the moment when Lear, the aging king of Britain, curses his daughter Goneril as a “thankless child” after she refuses to let him keep his full retinue of knights. This moment sets off the chain of events that leads to the tragedy of the play.
8 Sacred carving : TOTEM
A totem is a sacred object or symbol that represents a family, clan, or group of people. It is usually a carved wooden pole or statue, often with animal or human figures, that is used in Native American cultures to symbolize the power and identity of a tribe.
9 2019 Uber event, briefly : IPO
IPO stands for Initial Public Offering. In 2019, Uber, the ride-hailing company, went public, which means it offered shares of its stock for sale to the public for the first time. This was a significant event in the business world, as it allowed individuals and institutions to invest in Uber and potentially profit from its future success.
10 Weight room iteration : REP
A rep, short for repetition, is a single complete movement of an exercise, such as lifting a weight or performing a push-up. In weightlifting, reps are usually performed in sets, with a certain number of reps per set depending on the individual’s fitness goals.
11 “West Side Story” Oscar winner DeBose : ARIANA
Ariana DeBose is an American actress, dancer, and singer who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2021 for her role as Anita in the film adaptation of “West Side Story.” DeBose has also appeared in Broadway productions of “Hamilton,” “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” and “A Bronx Tale.”
12 Popular writer? : BIC PEN
This is a play on words, as a BIC pen is a popular brand of ballpoint pen used for writing. The clue is suggesting that the BIC pen is a “writer” because it is used to write words on paper.
13 Boris and Natasha, e.g. : AGENTS
Boris and Natasha are fictional characters from the animated television series “The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show.” They are a pair of spies from the fictional country of Pottsylvania who are always trying to thwart the efforts of the show’s main characters, Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle the Moose. As spies, Boris and Natasha are considered to be agents.
18 “Girls Trip” actor Larenz : TATE
Larenz Tate is an American actor who has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, including “Menace II Society,” “Love Jones,” and “Dead Presidents.” He is perhaps best known for his role as Julian in the comedy film “Girls Trip.” Tate has also appeared in several popular TV series, including “Power,” “Rescue Me,” and “House of Lies.”
21 Baby swan : CYGNET
A cygnet is a young swan, usually less than a year old. Swans are known for their long necks and graceful appearance, and cygnets are no exception, with their fluffy gray or brown feathers and distinctive black bills.
22 Clean : WASH
To wash something means to clean it using water and soap or other cleaning agents. Washing is an important part of maintaining personal hygiene, as well as keeping clothes, dishes, and other items clean.
23 Artist Ono : YOKO
Yoko Ono is a Japanese multimedia artist, singer, and peace activist. She is best known for her avant-garde art and her association with John Lennon, the late member of the Beatles. Ono’s work often explores themes of feminism, peace, and spirituality.
25 __ sci : POLI
“Poli sci” is an abbreviation for political science, which is a social science that focuses on the study of government, political systems, and political behavior. Political scientists analyze the structure and function of political institutions, as well as the political and social forces that shape political decision-making.
26 Jumbo suffix : -TRON
The suffix “-tron” is often used to create new words related to technology or electronics. For example, “electron” refers to a subatomic particle with a negative charge, and “neutron” refers to a subatomic particle with no charge. In popular culture, the suffix “-tron” has been used to create names for fictional devices or technologies, such as the “Decepticon” robots in the “Transformers” franchise.
27 Some four-year degs. : BAS
“BAS” is short for Bachelor of Applied Science, which is a four-year degree program that focuses on practical skills and knowledge in a specific field, such as engineering, technology, or business. BAS programs are designed to prepare students for careers in their chosen field, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience and real-world applications.
29 Folded fast food : TACO
A taco is a Mexican dish consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, cheese, and salsa. Tacos are a popular fast food item, available at many Mexican restaurants and food trucks. They can be served soft or crispy and can be customized to suit individual tastes.
32 Bouts of indulgence: SPREES
A spree is a period of time when someone indulges in a particular activity, often excessively or without restraint. This can refer to indulging in food, drink, shopping, or other activities that are pleasurable or enjoyable in the short term but may have negative consequences in the long run.
34 Taiwan-based computer brand: ACER
Acer is a Taiwanese multinational computer hardware and electronics company. It produces a wide range of electronic devices, including laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smartphones, and displays. Acer is known for its affordable pricing and innovative designs, and it is one of the largest PC vendors in the world.
36 Peddle: VEND
To vend means to sell goods or services, often in a public place or from a machine. Vending machines are a common example of automated vending, but people can also vend goods from carts or stands in public places.
37 From the States: Abbr.: AMER
“AMER” is short for American, which refers to someone or something from the United States of America. The abbreviation “Amer” can be used as an adjective to describe anything that is of or from the United States, such as “American culture,” “American cuisine,” or “American politics.”
39 Smaller version: MINI
Mini refers to something that is smaller in size than the standard or usual version. For example, a mini skirt is shorter than a regular skirt, and a mini-fridge is smaller than a standard refrigerator. “Mini” is often used to describe things that are compact or portable, such as a mini laptop or a mini drone.
40 Skin-healing plant: ALOE
Aloe is a succulent plant with long, thick leaves that contain a gel-like substance. The gel is commonly used in skin care products and remedies for minor burns and other skin irritations, as it is believed to have healing properties. Aloe is also used in some food and beverage products, as well as in traditional medicine.
41 Millennial preceder: XER
“Xer” is short for Xerxes, which is a name that has been used as a gender-neutral alternative to Mr. or Ms. for people who do not identify as male or female. The term “xer” has been suggested as a way to be more inclusive and respectful of people’s gender identities and preferences. “Millennial preceder” likely refers to the fact that the term “xer” was introduced before the millennial generation came of age.
43 “A Christmas Carol” child: TINY TIM
TINY TIM is a character in the classic Christmas novella “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. He is a young boy who is crippled and uses a crutch to walk. Despite his physical limitations, he has a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life and becomes a symbol of hope and resilience in the story.
45 “Bathers at Asnières” painter Georges: SEURAT
Georges Seurat was a French post-Impressionist painter who is best known for his technique of pointillism, in which small dots of color are used to create a larger image. “Bathers at Asnières” is one of Seurat’s most famous paintings, depicting working-class people enjoying a sunny day on the banks of the Seine River in Asnières, a suburb of Paris.
46 Boots out: EXPELS
To expel means to force someone or something out of a place or group, often because of bad behavior or a violation of rules. For example, a student might be expelled from school for breaking the code of conduct, or a tenant might be expelled from an apartment for violating the terms of their lease.
47 Pepsi alternative: RC COLA
RC Cola is a brand of cola that was first introduced in the United States in 1905. It is a competitor to other cola brands such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and it is known for its crisp and refreshing taste. RC Cola is also popular in some other countries, including the Philippines and South Korea.
49 Analogous: AKIN
Analogous and akin are synonyms that mean similar or comparable in some way. For example, two ideas might be akin to each other because they share common features or traits, or two things might be analogous because they have a similar function or purpose.
50 “Wicked Tuna” channel, familiarly: NAT GEO
Nat Geo is an abbreviation for National Geographic, which is a global media brand that is known for its documentaries, magazines, and other educational materials related to science, nature, and culture. “Wicked Tuna” is a reality TV show that airs on the National Geographic Channel and follows the adventures of commercial fishermen who compete to catch the most valuable bluefin tuna.
53 “Here’s hoping … “: I PRAY
“I pray” is an expression that is used to convey a strong wish or hope for something to happen. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as when hoping for good news or success, or when expressing sympathy or concern for someone else’s well-being. The phrase “Here’s hoping…” is often used to introduce a hopeful sentiment or wish for something positive to happen.
55 Rock band named for an inventor: TESLA
TESLA is a rock band that was formed in Sacramento, California in 1981. The band’s name is a tribute to the inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla, who is known for his work in the field of electromagnetism. TESLA is known for hits such as “Love Song” and “Signs,” and has released several albums throughout its career.
58 Tick off: RILE
To rile means to make someone angry or annoyed. It can be used to describe someone who is deliberately trying to provoke or upset another person, or it can be used to describe a situation that is frustrating or aggravating.
60 Prove useful: PAY
To pay can mean to give someone money in exchange for goods or services, but it can also be used in a broader sense to mean that something has proven to be useful or beneficial. For example, a new tool might “pay off” in terms of increased productivity, or a strategy might “pay dividends” in terms of achieving a desired outcome.
61 “Sweet but Psycho” singer __ Max: AVA
AVA Max is an American singer and songwriter who is best known for her hit single “Sweet but Psycho,” which was released in 2018. The song became a worldwide hit and reached the top 10 in several countries. AVA Max has since released several other singles, including “Kings & Queens” and “My Head & My Heart.”
62 Rough house: HUT
A hut is a small, simple dwelling that is typically made from natural materials such as wood, straw, or mud. The term “rough house” can be used to describe a building that is simple or rustic in construction, or it can be used more broadly to describe any kind of rough or rowdy behavior.
63 Verse of exaltation: ODE
An ode is a type of poem that is usually written in praise of a particular person, thing, or event. Odes typically have a formal structure and use elevated language to convey a sense of admiration or exaltation. Some famous examples of odes include John Keats’ “Ode to a Nightingale” and Pablo Neruda’s “Ode to Tomatoes.”
64 X, on a Rolex: TEN
On a Rolex watch, the symbol “X” is used to represent the number 10 on the dial. This is a common convention in watchmaking, where Roman numerals are often used to indicate the hours on the face of a watch. The “X” symbol is derived from the Roman numeral for 10, which is represented as “X” in Roman numerals.
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