Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Tuesday May 2nd 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Unlikely election win, say : UPSET
An “upset” in the context of an election refers to a surprising or unexpected result in which a candidate or party that was not predicted to win, does in fact win. The term is often used in sports as well, when an underdog team beats a heavily favored opponent. In general, an upset is any outcome that defies expectations or predictions.
6 Tidbit in a coffee grinder : BEAN
This clue refers to the small, round seeds that are the basis for coffee. Coffee beans are actually the pit of a cherry-like fruit, and they are typically roasted and ground to make coffee. A coffee grinder is a kitchen appliance that grinds the beans into a powder or coarse grind, which can then be brewed into coffee using various methods.
10 __-washed jeans : ACID
“Acid-washed” is a style of jeans that was popular in the 1980s. The process involves washing the jeans with chlorine and pumice stones, which creates a faded, worn look with a distinct pattern of light and dark areas. Acid-washed jeans were often paired with bright, neon-colored clothing and accessories during the height of their popularity.
14 Housework task : CHORE
A “chore” is a routine task or duty that needs to be done regularly around the house or elsewhere. Examples of chores might include washing dishes, vacuuming floors, doing laundry, or mowing the lawn. Chores are often seen as unpleasant or tedious tasks, but they are necessary to maintain a clean, functional living space.
15 French friend : AMIE
“Amie” is the French word for “friend.” In English, the word is often used to refer specifically to a female friend, although it can be used more generally as well. The word is pronounced “ah-mee” and is often used as a term of endearment.
16 Medicine amount : DOSE
A “dose” is a specified amount of medication that is prescribed or recommended for a particular patient or condition. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any amount of a substance that is taken or administered at one time. For example, a “dose” of caffeine might refer to the amount of coffee or tea that someone drinks in a sitting.
17 Term of office for Supreme Court justices, e.g. : LIFE TENURE
“Lifetime tenure” is the term used to describe the appointment of Supreme Court justices in the United States. This means that once a justice is appointed to the court, they serve for life or until they choose to retire or are impeached. This is intended to insulate the court from political pressure and ensure that justices are able to make decisions based solely on the law, rather than the whims of the current political climate.
19 Choir song : HYMN
A “hymn” is a religious song that is typically sung in a church or other worship setting. Hymns are often characterized by their solemn and reverent tone, and they may have lyrics that are based on biblical or other religious texts. Many hymns are sung by choirs, but they can also be sung by congregations or individuals.
20 “__ was saying … ” : AS I
This phrase is used to introduce a statement or anecdote, typically in a conversation or storytelling context. For example, “As I was saying, the movie I saw last night was really good.” The phrase is used to indicate that the speaker is picking up where they left off, or continuing a thought or story that they had previously started.
21 Quirky : ODD
“Odd” is a term that can be used to describe something that is unusual, peculiar, or eccentric. It may suggest that something is out of the ordinary or doesn’t fit into typical expectations or patterns. When used to describe a person, it may imply a certain level of individuality or eccentricity.
22 U.K. mil. award : DSO
The “DSO” is a military award in the United Kingdom, standing for the Distinguished Service Order. It is awarded to members of the British Armed Forces and allies who have shown distinguished or meritorious service in combat situations. The award was established in 1886 and is still in use today.
24 “The Silence of the Lambs” villain : HANNIBAL LECTER
“Hannibal Lecter” is a fictional character from the novel “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris, as well as its sequels and film adaptations. He is a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer who becomes involved with the FBI as a consultant on a case. The character has become a pop culture icon and is known for his intelligence, charisma, and chilling demeanor.
31 Donkey : ASS
An “ass” is another name for a donkey, which is a domesticated mammal known for its stubbornness and braying vocalizations. Donkeys have been used as working animals for thousands of years, and they are still used today in many parts of the world for transportation, farming, and other purposes.
32 Part of a tall cake : TIER
When making a tall cake, it is usually made up of multiple layers stacked on top of each other. Each layer is called a tier, and they are usually separated by a layer of frosting or filling.
33 “Selma” director DuVernay : AVA
Ava DuVernay is an American film director, producer, screenwriter, and distributor. She is best known for directing the historical drama film “Selma,” which chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches led by Martin Luther King Jr.
34 Dry shell : HUSK
A husk is the dry outer covering of a seed or fruit. It is usually removed before the seed or fruit is eaten or used in cooking. Examples of husks include the husk of corn, rice, and coconut.
37 Milky gem : OPAL
Opal is a gemstone that is known for its iridescent color play, which is caused by the scattering of light as it passes through tiny silica spheres within the stone. Opals can range in color from white to black, and their value is often determined by the intensity and uniqueness of their color patterns.
39 Archipelago unit : ISLET
An islet is a small island, usually located close to a larger landmass. Islets are often uninhabited, and can be found in oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes. They can be formed by volcanic activity, erosion, or sedimentation.
41 Investigative department, and what 17-, 24-, 52-, and 64-Across have? : INTERNAL AFFAIRS
Internal Affairs is a department within law enforcement agencies that is responsible for investigating allegations of misconduct or wrongdoing by officers within the agency. The clue suggests that 17-, 24-, 52-, and 64-Across all have some connection to internal affairs. Without seeing the crossword puzzle, it is difficult to know what those clues might be, but they could potentially relate to police departments or other organizations that have internal affairs departments.
44 Brief digression : ASIDE
An aside is a remark or comment that is made in a conversation or speech that is not directly related to the main topic at hand. It is usually brief and can be spoken quietly or to the audience only.
45 Point sets, in math : LOCI
In mathematics, the term locus refers to the set of points that satisfy a particular condition or set of conditions. It is often used in geometry to describe the set of points that satisfy a given equation or set of equations.
46 Post-WWII alliance : NATO
NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) is an intergovernmental military alliance that was formed after World War II. Its original purpose was to provide collective defense against the Soviet Union and its allies, but today it serves as a forum for political and military cooperation among its member countries.
47 Actor Cariou : LEN
Len Cariou is a Canadian actor and singer who has worked in film, television, and theater. He is perhaps best known for his role as Sweeney Todd in the original Broadway production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.”
48 Tall shade trees : ELMS
Elms are a genus of deciduous trees that are known for their tall, graceful shape and their ability to provide shade. They are commonly found in temperate regions around the world, and were once a popular choice for street trees in many cities.
50 “Unforgettable” singer __ King Cole : NAT
Nat King Cole was an American singer, pianist, and songwriter who was active from the 1930s until his death in 1965. He was known for his smooth and velvety voice, and his hits include “Unforgettable,” “Mona Lisa,” and “The Christmas Song.”
52 Member of an attorney’s support staff : LEGAL ASSISTANT
A legal assistant is a member of an attorney’s support staff who performs a variety of tasks to support the attorney’s work. This can include conducting research, drafting legal documents, managing files and documents, and communicating with clients and other parties involved in legal cases. Legal assistants may also be known as paralegals or legal secretaries, depending on their specific role and responsibilities.
57 Desert viper : ASP
The ASP is a venomous snake that is native to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. It is a relatively small snake, typically growing to a length of about 2 to 3 feet, and it is known for its quick and deadly strikes.
58 NYC subway org. : MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is a public transportation agency that operates the New York City Subway, as well as several other public transit systems in the New York City area. The MTA is responsible for maintaining and operating the subway system, which serves millions of riders every day.
59 Post-WWII alliance : OAS
The Organization of American States (OAS) is an intergovernmental organization that was founded in 1948 in the aftermath of World War II. It is composed of 35 member states from North, Central, and South America, and its purpose is to promote economic, political, and social cooperation among its member countries.
61 Open just a crack : AJAR
When something is slightly open, it is said to be ajar. For example, a door that is not fully closed, but is open just a crack, could be described as being ajar.
64 Places to pick up diving gear : SCUBA SHOPS
Scuba shops are stores that specialize in selling scuba diving equipment and accessories. They typically carry a wide range of gear, including wetsuits, fins, masks, regulators, and tanks. Scuba shops may also offer training and certification courses for scuba diving.
68 Glacier fragment : BERG A berg is a large piece of ice that has broken off from a glacier or ice sheet and is floating in the ocean. These icebergs can be dangerous for ships and boats, as they can be difficult to see and can cause damage upon impact. The most famous iceberg in history is probably the one that sank the Titanic in 1912.
69 Anna’s “Frozen” sister : ELSA
Elsa is a fictional character from the Disney movie “Frozen.” She is the older sister of the main character, Anna, and possesses the ability to create and manipulate ice and snow. Elsa is a complex and multifaceted character who learns to embrace her powers and her true self over the course of the film.
70 Core belief : TENET
A tenet is a principle or belief that is held to be true by a particular group or individual. It is a fundamental or essential belief that serves as the foundation for a particular philosophy, religion, or ideology.
71 __ A Sketch : ETCH
Etch A Sketch is a popular children’s toy that was first introduced in the 1960s. It consists of a red plastic frame with a gray screen inside, and two knobs that allow the user to draw lines and shapes by moving a stylus across the screen. The toy works by using a fine aluminum powder that is coated on the inside of the screen and is removed by the stylus as it moves across the screen.
72 Monopoly card : DEED
In the game of Monopoly, a deed card represents ownership of a particular property on the game board. Each deed card corresponds to a specific property, and the player who owns the deed has the right to collect rent from other players who land on that property.
73 Vase-shaped jugs : EWERS
An ewer is a type of jug or pitcher that is usually vase-shaped and has a handle and a spout. Ewers are often made of ceramic, glass, or metal and are used to hold and pour liquids, such as water or wine. They have been used since ancient times and can be found in many different styles and designs.
DOWN
1 Sch. near Hollywood : UCLA
UCLA, or the University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and is known for its strong programs in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities, as well as for its successful athletic teams.
2 Jam band with a namesake Ben & Jerry’s flavor : PHISH
Phish is a popular American jam band that was formed in 1983. The band is known for their improvisational live performances, which often include extended jams and intricate musical interplay between the band members. Phish has a devoted fan base and has sold millions of albums worldwide. The band also has a namesake ice cream flavor, “Phish Food,” which was created by the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company.
3 Bulgaria’s capital : SOFIA
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria. It is located in the western part of the country, at the foot of the Vitosha Mountain. Sofia has a rich history that dates back over 2,000 years, and the city is known for its beautiful architecture, cultural landmarks, and vibrant arts and music scene.
4 Before, poetically : ERE
“Ere” is an archaic or poetic word that means “before” or “earlier than.” It is often used in literary contexts or in older forms of English.
5 “Grand” Wyoming range : TETONS
The Teton Range is a mountain range located in northwestern Wyoming. The range is part of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic peaks, including the Grand Teton, which rises to a height of over 13,000 feet. The Teton Range is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
6 Inn offering a morning meal, briefly : B AND B
A bed and breakfast, or B&B for short, is a type of lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and a morning meal for guests. B&Bs are often small, independently owned properties that offer a more personalized and intimate experience than traditional hotels or motels.
7 Ostrichlike bird : EMU
The emu is a large flightless bird that is native to Australia. It is the second-largest bird in the world, after the ostrich, and can reach a height of over 6 feet. Emus are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes shaggy brown feathers, a long neck, and powerful legs. They are also valued for their meat, which is lean and low in fat.
8 Football filler : AIR
In American football, the term “air” is often used to refer to a forward pass, which is when the quarterback throws the ball to a teammate downfield rather than running with it himself. The term “air” emphasizes the fact that the ball is traveling through the air rather than being carried on the ground.
9 Tease : NEEDLE
To “needle” someone is to tease or taunt them in a playful or sometimes annoying way. The term can also refer to the use of a small, pointed tool called a needle, which is often used for sewing or other crafts.
10 Like some committees : AD HOC
An “ad hoc” committee is a temporary committee that is formed for a specific purpose or to address a particular issue. Ad hoc committees are often created to study a problem, gather information, or make recommendations on a particular course of action.
11 Artfully shy : COY
To be “coy” is to be shy or reserved in a way that is often seen as charming or alluring. The term can also be used to describe someone who is being intentionally vague or evasive.
12 School-of-thought suffix : ISM
The suffix “-ism” is used to form nouns that denote a system of beliefs, principles, or practices. For example, “capitalism” refers to an economic system in which the means of production are privately owned and operated for profit.
13 Work-from-home space, perhaps : DEN
A “den” is a room in a house that is typically used as a quiet, comfortable space for reading, writing, or working. In recent years, the term has often been used to refer to a home office or workspace, particularly one that is set up for remote work or telecommuting.
18 Inventor Thomas : EDISON
Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman who is best known for developing the first practical incandescent light bulb. Edison held over 1,000 patents for his inventions, including the phonograph, motion picture camera, and alkaline storage battery. He is widely considered one of the most important inventors in history and is often referred to as the “Wizard of Menlo Park.”
23 Printing flourish : SERIF
In typography, a “serif” is a small, decorative line or shape that is added to the end of a letter or symbol. Serifs are most commonly found in typefaces that are designed for printed materials, such as books, newspapers, and magazines. They are often used to improve legibility and give the text a more formal or traditional appearance.
25 Nude : NAKED
The term “naked” is often used to describe someone who is not wearing any clothes. It can also be used more generally to refer to something that is bare or exposed, such as a wall without paint or a tree without leaves.
26 Completely flummoxed : AT A LOSS
To be “at a loss” is to be completely puzzled or bewildered, often as a result of being unable to understand or solve a problem. The term can also be used to describe a situation in which someone is uncertain or undecided about what to do next.
27 Fragrant spring shrub : LILAC
The lilac is a deciduous shrub that is native to southeastern Europe and eastern Asia. It is prized for its fragrant, colorful flowers, which bloom in the spring and early summer. Lilacs are often used in landscaping and are popular ornamental plants in gardens and parks.
28 Actress Shire : TALIA
Talia Shire is an American actress who is best known for her roles in the “Godfather” film series and the “Rocky” film series. She is the sister of renowned film director Francis Ford Coppola and the aunt of actor Nicolas Cage.
29 Tennis great Chris : EVERT
Chris Evert is a retired American tennis player who is considered one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. During her career, she won 18 Grand Slam singles titles and three doubles titles, and she was ranked the world No. 1 player for a total of 260 weeks. Evert is known for her powerful groundstrokes and her graceful, efficient style of play.
30 “Midnight Cowboy” role : RATSO
Ratso Rizzo is a character from the 1969 film “Midnight Cowboy,” played by actor Dustin Hoffman. Ratso is a streetwise hustler who befriends a naive young man named Joe Buck (played by Jon Voight) and helps him navigate the seedy underworld of New York City. The film was critically acclaimed and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
34 Group email starter : HI ALL
“Hi all” is a common phrase used to begin an email or other written communication that is addressed to a group of people. It is a friendly and informal greeting that is often used in business or professional settings.
35 “I wish I could __ that!”: “So gross!” : UNSEE
“Unsee” is a slang term that means to erase or forget something that has been seen, especially something unpleasant or disturbing. The phrase “I wish I could unsee that” is often used as a humorous way to express disgust or shock at something that has been witnessed.
36 Wasp’s defense : STING
A wasp’s sting is a sharp, pointed organ that is located at the end of the insect’s abdomen. When a wasp feels threatened or provoked, it will use its sting as a defense mechanism, injecting venom into its attacker. Wasps are known for their painful stings, which can cause swelling, redness, and itching.
38 Tropical trees : PALMS
Palms are a type of tropical tree that are characterized by their large, fan-shaped leaves and long, slender trunks. They are native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas, and are often used in landscaping and as ornamental plants. Palms are also important economically, as they are a source of food, fiber, and oil.
40 Jolly December visitor : SANTA
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a mythical figure who is said to bring gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. The character is based on various legends and folklore from different cultures, but is most commonly associated with the Christian holiday of Christmas. Santa is typically depicted as a jolly, rotund man with a white beard and a red suit, and is often accompanied by reindeer and elves.
42 Film spools : REELS
A film reel is a cylindrical object that holds a length of motion picture film. The reels are used to transport the film from one place to another, and are typically mounted on a projector for screening. Film reels come in various sizes, depending on the length and format of the film.
43 Social media account that may provide anonymity : FINSTA
“Finsta” is a portmanteau of “fake” and “Instagram,” and refers to a secondary Instagram account that a user creates to share more personal or private content with a select group of friends. Finstas are often used by teenagers and young adults as a way to express themselves more candidly without fear of judgment or negative consequences.
49 Ended, as a subscription : LAPSED
When a subscription has lapsed, it means that it has expired or been canceled due to non-payment or other reasons. Lapsed subscriptions can often be renewed by paying a fee or reactivating the account, depending on the terms of the subscription.
51 One small bite : A TASTE
A taste is a small portion of food or drink that is taken to sample or evaluate its flavor. The term can also be used more generally to describe a brief experience or impression of something, such as “I got a taste of the high life on my vacation.”
53 Cry of frustration : AARGH
“Aargh” is an exclamation of frustration, annoyance, or anger. The spelling and pronunciation may vary, but the sentiment is generally the same. It is often used in cartoons or other media to express a character’s distress or discomfort.
54 Tough character’s claim : I’M BAD
“I’m bad” is a phrase often used by tough or intimidating characters to assert their strength or superiority over others. The phrase can be seen in various forms of media, from movies and TV shows to music and literature.
55 “… said __ ever” : NO ONE
“Said no one ever” is a sarcastic phrase used to dismiss an idea or statement that is perceived as unlikely or unpopular. For example, “I just love waking up early on weekends!” – “Said no one ever.”
56 Slender candle : TAPER
A taper candle is a long, slender candle that gradually narrows towards the top. Taper candles are often used in decorative candle holders or candelabras, and are commonly associated with formal events such as weddings or religious ceremonies.
60 Ultrafast 62-Downs : SSTS
“SSTs” is an acronym for supersonic transport, which refers to aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound. During the 1960s and 1970s, there were several commercial SSTs in operation, including the Concorde and the Tupolev Tu-144.
61 Actor Vigoda : ABE
Abe Vigoda was an American actor best known for his roles in films such as “The Godfather” and on TV shows such as “Barney Miller.” Vigoda was known for his distinctive appearance, including his sunken eyes and prominent chin, as well as his dry sense of humor.
62 Fast plane : JET
A jet is an aircraft that is propelled by jet engines, which generate a high-speed exhaust that propels the plane forward. Jets are known for their speed and efficiency, and are commonly used for commercial air travel as well as military applications.
63 __ de Triomphe : ARC
The Arc de Triomphe is a famous monument in Paris, France that was built to commemorate the victories of the French Army. The arch is located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées and features intricate carvings and sculptures, including a depiction of the French Revolution.
65 Rock & Roll HoF city : CLE
Cleveland, Ohio is the city where the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is located. The museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the history of rock and roll, including instruments, clothing, and memorabilia from famous musicians and bands.
66 “__ as directed” : USE
“Use as directed” is a phrase often found on the packaging of medication or other products that require specific instructions for use. The phrase is intended to ensure that the user follows the correct dosage or application instructions in order to avoid adverse effects.
67 Cut down : HEW
To hew something is to chop or cut it down with a tool such as an axe or a saw. The term is often used in the context of forestry or woodworking, where hewing is an important step in preparing timber for use in construction or other applications.
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