LA Times Crossword Answers Wednesday April 12th 2023

Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Wednesday April 12th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.

ACROSS

1 Lots of bucks : DEER
In this clue, “bucks” is a word that can refer to male deer (as well as a few other things, like money or a type of knife). So when the clue says “Lots of bucks,” it’s actually referring to a group of deer, or a herd of deer. The answer, then, is simply “DEER.”

5 Bird’s crop : CRAW
The “crop” is a part of a bird’s digestive system that’s used to temporarily store food before it moves on to the bird’s stomach. In this crossword clue, the answer is a four-letter word that refers to this part of a bird’s anatomy. That word is “CRAW.”

9 Small amounts : DABS
“DABS” is a five-letter word that can mean “small amounts” or “small touches.” This clue is relatively straightforward: if you’re looking for a word that means “small amounts,” “DABS” is the answer.

13 Folklore brute : OGRE
An “OGRE” is a mythical creature that’s often portrayed as a giant, man-eating monster in folklore and fairy tales. In this crossword clue, the answer is simply the word “OGRE.”

14 Fissile rock : SHALE
“SHALE” is a type of rock that’s made up of clay minerals and tends to split easily along flat planes. The word “fissile” means “able to be split easily,” so in this clue, the answer is “SHALE.”

15 Some cold drafts : ALES
An “ALE” is a type of beer that’s made from malted barley, hops, yeast, and water. Ales are typically served at cellar temperature (which is a bit warmer than the temperature at which lagers are served). So in this clue, “some cold drafts” are actually “ALES” – a type of beer that’s served cool, but not quite as cold as some other types of beer.

16 “This week has gone on long enough!” letters : TGIF
Finally, this crossword clue is a bit of a wordplay joke. “TGIF” stands for “Thank God It’s Friday,” which is a common expression used to celebrate the end of the workweek. So if you’re feeling like “this week has gone on long enough,” you might be looking forward to saying “TGIF” at the end of the day on Friday.

17 Estate home : MANOR
A manor is a large and impressive house, typically situated on a large estate or piece of land. Manors were historically owned by members of the aristocracy and often served as the center of their power and influence. Today, the term “manor” is still used to describe large and stately homes, often with historical significance.

18 Jedi Master voiced by Frank Oz : YODA
Yoda is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise, created by George Lucas. He is a Jedi Master who trained many of the most famous Jedi knights, including Luke Skywalker. Yoda is known for his distinctive speech patterns and wise sayings, as well as his small, green appearance. Frank Oz is a puppeteer and voice actor who provided the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies.

19 *Particularly memorable event : ONE FOR THE AGES
“One for the ages” is an idiomatic expression used to describe a particularly memorable or noteworthy event that is likely to be remembered for a long time. It can be used to describe anything from a sports game to a historical event to a personal achievement.

22 __ Speedwagon : REO
REO Speedwagon is an American rock band that was formed in the 1960s. The band’s name comes from the REO Speed Wagon, a type of truck that was manufactured by the REO Motor Car Company in the early 20th century. Some of REO Speedwagon’s most famous songs include “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Take It on the Run,” and “Keep on Loving You.”

23 Reindeer reins holder : SANTA
Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or simply “Santa,” is a legendary figure who is said to bring gifts to well-behaved children on Christmas Eve. According to tradition, Santa travels in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, and he holds the reins to control their movements.

24 Beats, as an incumbent : UNSEATS
To “unseat” someone means to remove them from a position of power or authority. In the context of politics, it typically refers to defeating an incumbent candidate in an election. For example, if a challenger defeats a sitting member of Congress in an election, they have “unseated” the incumbent.

28 Stand : STOMACH
“Stomach” can be used as a verb to mean “to be able to tolerate or handle something.” For example, if you say “I can’t stomach horror movies,” you mean that you are not able to watch them because they make you feel sick or uncomfortable. In the context of a crossword puzzle, “stand” can be a synonym for “tolerate,” so “stomach” can be a valid answer.

32 *Party topper : PAPER HAT
A “party topper” refers to a festive item that can be worn on one’s head during a party or celebration, usually made out of paper. This can include items such as paper crowns, party hats, or other paper headwear that is typically associated with a fun and festive atmosphere.

34 Lighthearted : MERRY
“Merry” is an adjective that can be used to describe something that is cheerful, lighthearted, or full of joy. It is often used to describe the festive spirit of holidays or celebrations, such as Christmas or New Year’s Eve. A person can also be described as “merry” if they are in a good mood and feeling happy.

35 One-named “Chandelier” singer : SIA
Sia is an Australian singer, songwriter, and music video director. She is known for her distinctive voice and unique style, which incorporates elements of pop, electronic, and indie music. Some of her most famous songs include “Chandelier,” “Elastic Heart,” and “Cheap Thrills.”

36 Moles, maybe : SPIES
“Moles” are individuals who are planted in an organization or group with the intention of gathering information or intelligence for another organization or group. They can be used in both military and civilian contexts, and can be difficult to detect because they often appear to be loyal members of the organization they are infiltrating. In the context of a crossword puzzle, “spies” can be a synonym for “moles.”

39 English cuppa : TEA
In England, “a cuppa” or “a brew” typically refers to a cup of tea, which is a popular hot beverage that is made by steeping tea leaves in hot water. Tea is a significant part of English culture and is often associated with traditions such as afternoon tea, which typically includes tea, sandwiches, and pastries.

40 Send packing : EVICT
To “evict” someone means to force them to leave a place or property, usually because they are no longer welcome or allowed to be there. This can refer to situations such as a landlord evicting a tenant from a rental property, or a business owner evicting a person from their store or restaurant.

43 *1990 theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, e.g. : ART HEIST
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, was the site of a notorious art theft in 1990. The theft involved two men who dressed as police officers and stole 13 pieces of art from the museum, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Degas. The case remains unsolved, and the stolen artwork has not been recovered. In the context of a crossword puzzle, “art heist” can be a valid answer to the clue “1990 theft at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, e.g.”

46 Sinews : TENDONS
Sinews are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones in the body. They are composed of tough, flexible strands of connective tissue, known as tendons, that allow muscles to pull on bones and move the body.

49 Most miserly : MEANEST
“Miserly” is an adjective that describes a person who is extremely stingy or ungenerous with their money or possessions. The superlative form of this adjective is “meanest,” meaning the most miserly or ungenerous.

50 Barbecue briquettes : COALS
Barbecue briquettes are small, compressed blocks of charcoal that are used as a fuel source for outdoor grilling and cooking. They are made by compressing charcoal dust or small pieces of charcoal into a compact shape, which burns slowly and provides a consistent heat source for cooking.

52 Pipe plastic : PVC
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic that is commonly used to make pipes, fittings, and other construction materials. PVC pipes are lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion, making them a popular choice for plumbing and drainage systems.

53 Attitude shift, and the shift found in five letters in the answer to each starred clue : CHANGE OF HEART
This clue is a bit of a meta-clue, as it refers to the solution to all of the starred clues in the puzzle. Each of these clues contains a five-letter word that is a synonym for “heart,” such as “ages” in “one for the ages” or “fable” in “fable animal.” These words are all clues to the answer “change of heart,” which refers to a significant shift in someone’s attitudes or beliefs.

58 Disdainful chorus : BOOS
“Boos” are sounds of disapproval or dislike that are made by a group of people. They are often used to express disdain or disapproval of someone or something, such as a bad performance or a controversial decision.

59 Fiction or nonfiction : GENRE
“Genre” is a term used to describe different categories or types of literature, film, music, or other creative works. Examples of literary genres include fiction, nonfiction, romance, science fiction, horror, and mystery. Each genre has its own conventions, themes, and styles that are recognizable to fans of that genre.

60 Prom attire : GOWN
A gown is a long dress, typically worn by women on formal occasions such as proms, weddings, and other formal events. Gowns are often made from luxurious fabrics such as silk or satin and may feature intricate embroidery or beading.

62 Besides : ELSE
“Else” is an adverb that means “in addition” or “as well.” It is often used to indicate something that is different from or in addition to what has already been mentioned.

63 Fiji alternative : EVIAN
Evian is a brand of mineral water that is sourced from springs in the French Alps. It is known for its purity and high mineral content, which makes it a popular choice for people looking for a refreshing and healthy beverage. In the context of this crossword clue, “Fiji alternative” suggests that Evian is a brand of water that is similar in quality and popularity to Fiji water.

64 Menu heading often next to File : EDIT
“Edit” is a menu heading that is often found next to “File” in computer software applications. It typically refers to the function of modifying or changing a document, image, or other type of digital file.

65 Ink spots? : TATS
“Tats” is a slang term that refers to tattoos, which are permanent designs or markings that are applied to the skin using ink. The clue “ink spots” is a play on words, as it refers both to the ink used to create tattoos and to the musical group “The Ink Spots,” who were popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

66 Leader with a .edu address : DEAN
A “Dean” is a title that is typically given to the head of a college or university department. In the context of this crossword clue, “leader with a .edu address” suggests that the Dean is a person who works in higher education and has an email address that ends in “.edu,” which is a domain name reserved for educational institutions.

67 “A Suitable Boy” novelist Vikram : SETH
Vikram Seth is an Indian novelist and poet who is best known for his book “A Suitable Boy,” which was published in 1993. The novel is set in post-independence India and follows the story of a young woman named Lata as she searches for a suitable husband. Seth’s work is known for its lyrical prose and insightful commentary on Indian society and culture.

DOWN

1 Small point: DOT
A dot is a small round mark or spot, typically used as a punctuation mark in writing or to indicate the location of something on a map or graph.

2 French Toaster Sticks brand: EGGO
Eggo is a brand of frozen waffles that are popular in North America. The brand is owned by Kellogg Company and also produces French Toaster Sticks, which are slices of bread that have been coated in a sweet batter and frozen for quick and easy breakfasts.

3 “Blue Bloods” daughter played by Bridget Moynahan: ERIN
Erin Reagan is a fictional character on the American police procedural drama TV series “Blue Bloods.” The character is portrayed by Bridget Moynahan and is the daughter of the show’s main character, Frank Reagan, who is the Police Commissioner of New York City.

4 Judo official: REFEREE
A referee is an official who presides over a sporting event and enforces the rules of the game. In judo, the referee is responsible for ensuring that the match is conducted fairly and safely, and may award points or penalties to the competitors based on their performance.

5 Arctic trout: CHAR
Char is a type of fish that is found in cold, deep, freshwater lakes and streams in the Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is a member of the salmon family and is known for its delicate, flaky texture and mild flavor.

6 Diatribes: RANTS
A rant is a speech or piece of writing that is characterized by angry, often exaggerated complaints or criticism. It is typically used to express strong feelings of frustration, annoyance, or outrage about a particular issue or situation.

7 Warm welcomes: ALOHAS
“Aloha” is a Hawaiian word that is used as a greeting, farewell, or expression of affection. It is also used to describe a warm and welcoming attitude or atmosphere, particularly in Hawaii, where it is a central part of the local culture.

8 “If you __ you, then we’d all be a bit less we”: wisdom from Piglet: WEREN’T
This is a quote from the character Piglet in the popular children’s book “Winnie-the-Pooh” by A.A. Milne. The full quote is “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear. If you want to make sure, whisper: ‘If you prick your finger with a pin, does it hurt?’ If he says yes, then he is listening. But if he says no, it means he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” The phrase “If you weren’t you, then we’d all be a bit less we” is a more condensed version of this quote and is often used to express the idea that everyone is unique and valuable in their own way.

9 Afternoon sports event: DAY GAME
A day game is a sporting event that takes place during the daytime, usually between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. It is typically used to refer to baseball games, which are often scheduled during the day as well as in the evening.

10 Household succulent: ALOE
Aloe is a type of succulent plant that is known for its medicinal properties. It is commonly used in lotions, creams, and other skincare products, as well as in juices and other health supplements. Aloe plants are also popular houseplants, as they are easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of environments.

11 Garden areas: BEDS
In gardening, a bed is a defined area of soil that is used for growing plants. Garden beds can be raised or level with the surrounding soil, and may be bordered with stones, bricks, or other materials to define their boundaries.

12 Fed. benefits provider: SSA
The SSA stands for the Social Security Administration, a federal agency in the United States that is responsible for administering the country’s Social Security program. This program provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible individuals and their families.

14 Irons (out): SMOOTHS
To smooth something out is to remove any wrinkles, creases, or other imperfections that may be present. When referring to clothes, smoothing is often achieved by using an iron, which applies heat and pressure to the fabric to make it look neat and tidy. In this crossword clue, “Irons (out)” is a way of hinting at the answer “Smooths.”

20 Phobia: FEAR
A phobia is an irrational, persistent, and excessive fear of a specific object, situation, or activity. Phobias can cause extreme anxiety and can interfere with daily life, and may require treatment such as therapy or medication to manage.

21 Bit with neutrinos: ATOM
An atom is the basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons, surrounded by a cloud of negatively charged electrons. Neutrinos are subatomic particles that have no electric charge and very little mass, and are produced in nuclear reactions.

24 Beat, as a favored incumbent: UPSET
In politics, an incumbent is a person who currently holds an elected office. To upset an incumbent is to defeat them in an election, often unexpectedly or against the odds.

25 Unsophisticated: NAIVE
Someone who is naive is lacking in experience, wisdom, or judgment, and may be easily fooled or taken advantage of. The term can be used to describe a person who is innocent, gullible, or overly trusting.

26 Much of Iberia: SPAIN
Iberia is a peninsula located in southwestern Europe, and is home to the countries of Spain and Portugal. Spain is the larger of the two countries, and is known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine.

27 Plant juice: SAP
Sap is a watery fluid that is found in the tissues of plants, and is responsible for transporting nutrients, sugars, and other substances throughout the plant. In some cases, sap can be used for human consumption or as a source of medicine.

29 Kevin McHale’s “Glee” role: ARTIE
“Artie” is a character played by Kevin McHale on the popular television series “Glee.” Artie is a wheelchair-bound student who is a member of the school’s glee club, and is known for his singing and dancing abilities.

30 Peppery salad green: CRESS
Cress is a type of leafy green plant that is often used in salads and sandwiches for its spicy, peppery flavor. There are several varieties of cress, including watercress, garden cress, and upland cress, which can be grown in a variety of environments.

31 Omni rival: HYATT
The Omni and Hyatt are both hotel chains that offer luxury accommodations and amenities. The Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a multinational hospitality company with properties in over 50 countries, while the Omni Hotels & Resorts operates hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

33 Spanish aunt: TIA
In Spanish, “tía” is the word for aunt, and is commonly used to refer to a female relative who is the sister of one’s parent. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any older female figure who is respected and trusted.

37 Sound of hesitation: ERM
“Er” or “erm” is a sound commonly used to express hesitation or uncertainty when speaking. It is often used as a filler word to bridge a pause in conversation, and can indicate that the speaker is searching for the right words or unsure of what to say next.

38 Colbert of late-night: STEPHEN
Stephen Colbert is an American comedian, writer, producer, and television host. He is best known for his work as the host of “The Colbert Report” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” both of which have earned him numerous awards and critical acclaim.

41 Jewel boxes: CD CASES
A CD case is a protective container used to store and transport compact discs (CDs). These cases are typically made of plastic and feature a hinged design that allows the user to open and close the case to access the disc inside. CD cases can also be used to store other small items, such as jewelry or coins.

42 Multiple-cel creature?: TOON
“Toon” is a slang term used to describe a cartoon character, often one that is anthropomorphic (possessing human-like characteristics) or features multiple cells (individual frames of animation that are combined to create the illusion of movement). Cartoon characters are often used in animation, comic books, and other forms of popular media.

44 Give birth to: HAVE
To “have” a child is a common euphemism for giving birth, as it implies the idea of bringing a new life into the world and taking on the responsibilities of parenthood. The verb “have” can also be used to describe the act of procreation, as in the phrase “have a baby.”

45 Confines, as a pet bird : ENCAGES – This clue refers to the action of putting a bird into a cage, which is often done by bird owners to keep their pets in a controlled environment. The answer is ENCAGES, which is the verb form of the word “cage,” meaning to put something into a cage.

47 Kept bothering : NAGGED – This clue refers to the act of repeatedly bothering or annoying someone about something. The answer is NAGGED, which is the verb form of the word “nag,” meaning to persistently annoy or criticize someone about something.

48 LP cover : SLEEVE – This clue refers to the protective cover that is used to protect vinyl records, also known as LPs. The answer is SLEEVE, which is the term used to describe the outer cover of the vinyl record.

51 Justice Sotomayor : SONIA – This clue refers to Sonia Sotomayor, who is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. She was appointed to the position by President Barack Obama in 2009.

53 Cuba libre mixer : COLA – This clue refers to the mixer used in the popular cocktail known as the Cuba Libre, which is made with rum, cola, and lime juice. The answer is COLA, which is the carbonated soft drink used in the cocktail.

54 Large number : HOST – This clue refers to a large group or number of people. The answer is HOST, which is a noun used to describe a large group or gathering of people.

55 Hall of Fame quarterback Tarkenton : FRAN – This clue refers to Fran Tarkenton, who is a former professional American football quarterback. He played for the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Giants during his career and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

56 Needled : RODE – This clue refers to the act of persistently teasing or annoying someone. The answer is RODE, which is the past tense of the verb “ride,” but in this context, it means to provoke or tease someone.

57 Silly goose : TWIT – This clue refers to someone who is foolish or silly. The answer is TWIT, which is a noun used to describe someone who is considered silly or foolish.

58 “After Happily Ever After” cable channel : BET – This clue refers to the television network BET, which is a cable channel that primarily focuses on African-American entertainment, music, and culture. “After Happily Ever After” is a show on the network that focuses on the lives of couples after they have tied the knot.

61 To the __ degree : NTH – This clue refers to the highest or ultimate level of something. The answer is NTH, which is used to describe an unspecified number in a series or sequence, typically used to express the highest or ultimate level of something.

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