Here is the complete list of clues and answers for the Wednesday April 5th 2023, LA Times crossword puzzle.
ACROSS
1 Hair-covering garments : HIJABS
A hijab is a headscarf traditionally worn by Muslim women in the presence of men outside of their immediate family. It is a type of veil that covers the head and neck but leaves the face exposed.
7 __ oil : CASTOR
Castor oil is a vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. It has a variety of uses, including as a laxative, as a component in cosmetics and skin-care products, and as a lubricant.
13 Together at the movies, say : ON A DATE
Going to the movies together is a classic activity for couples on a date. It allows them to spend time together while being entertained by a film.
15 Army swimmer? : OCTOPUS
An octopus is not typically associated with the army or swimming, but this clue is a play on words. The octopus has eight arms, which could be interpreted as “arms” like in the military sense. And an octopus is a skilled swimmer, able to move through water using jet propulsion.
17 Equestrian loop : STIRRUP
A stirrup is a looped device that is attached to the saddle of a horse and used to support the rider’s foot. It helps the rider maintain balance and control while riding.
18 “Success at last!” : I MADE IT
“I made it” is a common expression used to convey a sense of accomplishment or success after overcoming a challenge or achieving a goal.
19 Hat that sounds right for an eco-conscious poet? : SOLAR BOWLER
A solar bowler is not a real type of hat, but the clue is a play on words. A bowler hat is a type of hat with a hard, round crown and a narrow brim. Solar power is a type of renewable energy that is often associated with environmentalism and sustainability, so a “solar bowler” could be seen as a hat that an eco-conscious poet might wear.
21 Opposite of SSW : NNE
SSW stands for “South-Southwest,” so the opposite direction is North-Northeast or NNE.
22 Thompson who plays Bianca in the “Creed” films : TESSA
Tessa Thompson is an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Creed,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “Westworld.” In the “Creed” films, she plays Bianca, the love interest of Michael B. Jordan’s character, Adonis Creed.
23 Foil alternative : EPEE
Foil and epee are both weapons used in the sport of fencing. While a foil is a light, flexible sword with a rectangular blade, an epee is heavier and has a triangular blade.
24 Bend at a 5-Down : PLIE
A plie is a ballet movement that involves bending the knees while keeping the back straight.
27 Some chats, briefly : IMS
IMS stands for “Instant Messaging Services,” which refers to online communication platforms that allow users to send and receive messages in real-time. Examples of IMS include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and iMessage.
30 Cheryl of “Charlie’s Angels” : LADD
Cheryl Ladd is an American actress who is best known for her role as Kris Munroe in the television series “Charlie’s Angels.” She joined the cast in the second season, replacing Farrah Fawcett.
31 Hat that sounds right for a futuristic cartoon poet? : JETSON STETSON
This crossword clue is a play on words. The Jetsons is a cartoon show that takes place in the future, and a Stetson is a type of hat that is often associated with cowboys and the American West. So, a “Jetson Stetson” would be a hat that is futuristic and appropriate for a poet in a cartoon show set in the future.
36 Eur. carrier: SAS
SAS is a crossword clue that refers to the Scandinavian airline SAS, which is an acronym for Scandinavian Airlines System. SAS is the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and is one of the largest airlines in Europe, operating flights to destinations across the world.
37 Carnival city: RIO
RIO is a crossword clue that refers to Rio de Janeiro, a city in Brazil known for its vibrant and colorful Carnival celebrations. Carnival is a festival that takes place in the days leading up to the Christian observance of Lent, and is marked by parades, parties, and costumes.
38 Concept in East Asian philosophy: TAO
TAO is a crossword clue that refers to the Tao, a central concept in Taoism, a Chinese philosophy and religion. The Tao is often translated as “the way” or “the path,” and refers to the natural order and harmony of the universe, which can be discovered and lived in accordance with through spiritual practice.
39 Scheduling abbr.: TBA
TBA is a crossword clue that stands for “to be announced.” This abbreviation is often used in schedules or event listings to indicate that details about a particular event, such as the date, time, or location, have not yet been determined or made public.
42 Hat that sounds right for a poet’s annual party? BIRTHDAY BERET
BIRTHDAY BERET is a crossword clue that is a playful play on words. It suggests that a “birthday beret” would be an appropriate hat for a poet’s annual party, as it sounds similar to “birthday bash.” A beret is a type of hat that is often associated with artists, writers, and intellectuals.
46 2% alternative: SKIM
SKIM is a crossword clue that refers to skim milk, which is a type of milk that has had the cream removed, leaving only a small amount of fat. Skim milk is a popular alternative to whole milk or 2% milk for those who want to reduce their fat intake.
48 Phillipa of “Hamilton”: SOO
SOO is a crossword clue that refers to Phillipa Soo, an American actress and singer who is best known for her role as Eliza Schuyler in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.” Soo has also appeared in other stage productions and television shows, and has received critical acclaim for her performances.
49 “Auld Lang __” : SYNE
“Auld Lang Syne” is a Scottish poem and song, often sung at New Year’s Eve celebrations and other occasions of farewell or parting. The phrase “auld lang syne” roughly translates to “old long since” or “times gone by” in English. The song is often associated with Scottish culture and is sung in many countries around the world.
50 Tea brand with an Iced Citrus Jasmine variety : TAZO
Tazo is a brand of tea that was founded in Portland, Oregon in 1994. The company was acquired by Starbucks in 1999 and is now a subsidiary of the coffee giant. Tazo produces a wide variety of teas, including black, green, and herbal teas, as well as iced teas. The Iced Citrus Jasmine variety is a blend of black tea, citrus, and jasmine flavors.
51 Letter-shaped fastener : T-BOLT
A T-bolt is a type of threaded fastener that has a T-shaped head. This design allows the bolt to be easily inserted into a T-slot or T-track and then tightened with a nut. T-bolts are commonly used in industrial and automotive applications, such as securing components on assembly lines or attaching parts to a vehicle frame.
55 Notable period : ERA
An era is a particular period of time characterized by significant events or developments. The term can refer to any number of historical, cultural, or social periods, such as the Victorian era, the Jazz Age, or the Digital era. In the context of a crossword puzzle, the answer “ERA” could refer to any of these or other notable periods.
56 Hat that sounds right for a poet on Election Day? : VOTER BOATER
This crossword clue is a play on words, using homophones to create a pun. “Voter boater” sounds like “boater” when spoken aloud, but is spelled differently and has a different meaning. A boater is a type of formal straw hat that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often worn by men at formal occasions or while boating. In this case, the “Voter Boater” is a hat that a poet might wear on Election Day, suggesting that the poet is participating in the democratic process by casting a vote.
62 Backdrop for some History Channel programming : WARTIME
The History Channel is a cable television channel that focuses on historical programming, covering a wide range of topics from ancient civilizations to modern warfare. The answer to this clue, “WARTIME,” refers to a period of conflict or war that serves as the backdrop for some of the channel’s programming. This might include documentaries or shows about military battles, espionage, or other topics related to war and conflict.
64 Flyer making short hops : AIR TAXI
An “Air Taxi” is a small aircraft designed to transport a small number of passengers or cargo on short trips, typically between airports or other airfields. Air taxis are commonly used for business travel, sightseeing, and transportation to remote areas where other modes of transportation are not available.
65 Tries hard : STRIVES
To “Strive” means to make a great effort to achieve something or to attain a goal. It implies working hard, persisting, and not giving up until the desired outcome is reached.
66 Joint Chiefs member : GENERAL
A “General” is a high-ranking military officer who holds a leadership position in the armed forces. In the United States, the Joint Chiefs of Staff is a group of senior military leaders who advise the President on military matters. The group includes the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, who is the highest-ranking military officer in the U.S. Armed Forces.
67 Trigonometry function : SECANT
In trigonometry, the “Secant” function is a mathematical function that relates the ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle. The secant function is defined as the reciprocal of the cosine function.
68 __ seed : SESAME
“Sesame” is a type of seed that is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine. Sesame seeds are small, flat, and oval-shaped, and they have a nutty flavor and a delicate texture. They can be used as a topping for bread, bagels, and other baked goods, or they can be ground into a paste to make sauces or dips. Sesame seeds are also a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
DOWN
1 “Bonanza” brother: HOSS
HOSS is a crossword clue that refers to one of the characters from the popular TV series, “Bonanza.” Hoss Cartwright was the middle son of Ben Cartwright, the patriarch of the Cartwright family, who owned a large ranch called the Ponderosa. Hoss was known for his large size, kindness, and gentle nature, which made him a fan favorite of the show’s viewers.
2 Engrossed by: INTO
INTO is a crossword clue that refers to being completely absorbed or fascinated by something. It is a common preposition that is used to indicate movement towards the inside or center of something. For example, if you are engrossed INTO a book, it means that you are completely absorbed in reading it and are paying no attention to anything else around you.
3 Monopoly corner: JAIL
JAIL is a crossword clue that refers to a space on the board game Monopoly. It is one of the four corner spaces on the game board, and players can end up in Jail by rolling doubles three times in a row or landing on the “Go to Jail” space. While in Jail, players cannot collect rent or move until they either pay a fine or roll doubles.
4 Classified info?: AD RATES
AD RATES is a crossword clue that refers to information that is typically kept confidential or secret. It is a term used in the advertising industry to describe the cost of placing an advertisement in a particular medium, such as a magazine or a TV show. Ad rates are typically negotiated between advertisers and media outlets, and are not usually made public.
5 Supporter of dance troupes: BARRE
BARRE is a crossword clue that refers to a horizontal bar used in ballet and other dance forms for support during exercises. The barre is typically placed at waist height and is used by dancers to warm up and practice their technique before moving on to more advanced movements. Therefore, a BARRE can be seen as a “supporter” of dance troupes.
6 Short Wikipedia entries: STUBS
STUBS is a crossword clue that refers to short entries on the online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. A STUB is a term used in computing to describe a placeholder or a temporary file that contains minimal information about a particular topic. In the case of Wikipedia, STUBS are typically very short articles that provide only basic information about a subject and are intended to be expanded upon by other contributors.
7 Slinky, for one: COIL
COIL is a crossword clue that refers to a long, cylindrical shape that is wound around itself in a spiral or helix. A COIL can be used to describe a number of different objects, including springs, wires, and ropes. In the case of the Slinky, it is a toy made of a long, thin strip of metal that is tightly COILED into a spiral shape, which allows it to “walk” down stairs and other surfaces.
8 Top : ACME
The word “top” here means the highest point or peak of something. “Acme” means the highest point of achievement or excellence. So, “8 top” is a clever way of saying “the highest point,” and “acme” is the answer to the clue.
9 “There was a __ danced, and under that was I born”: “Much Ado About Nothing” : STAR
This quote is from William Shakespeare’s play “Much Ado About Nothing,” spoken by the character Claudio. He is describing the circumstances of his birth, saying that there was a “star danced” on the night he was born. So, the answer to this clue is “star.”
10 “Dracula” director Browning : TOD
Tod Browning was an American film director who directed the classic horror film “Dracula” in 1931, starring Bela Lugosi as the titular character. Therefore, the answer to this clue is “Tod.”
11 Kitchen storage option : OPEN PANTRY
An “open pantry” is a kitchen storage area that is open and visible, usually consisting of shelves or racks where food and cooking supplies can be stored. Therefore, the answer to this clue is “open pantry.”
12 Beyond repair : RUINED
If something is “ruined,” it means that it has been damaged or destroyed to the point where it cannot be repaired or restored. Therefore, the answer to this clue is “ruined.”
14 Thematic set of poems : EPOS
“Epos” is a term used to describe a long, epic poem that tells a story or recounts historical events. So, a “thematic set of poems” could be referred to as an “epos,” making it the answer to this clue.
16 Fine mount : STEED
A “steed” is a horse that is used for riding, especially one that is strong, fast, and well-trained. Therefore, the answer to this clue is “steed,” and “fine” could be used to describe its impressive appearance or performance.
20 “Don’t go!” : WAIT
The clue here is asking for a phrase that means “don’t leave yet”. The answer is WAIT, which means to stay in one place or delay action for a short period of time.
23 Jeff Lynne’s band : ELO
The answer to this clue is ELO, which stands for Electric Light Orchestra. It is a British rock band that was formed in Birmingham in 1970 by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan.
24 Short nightwear? : PJS
The answer to this clue is PJS, which is short for pajamas. Pajamas are a type of clothing worn for sleeping or lounging around the house, typically consisting of a loose-fitting top and pants.
25 “Mulan” singer Salonga : LEA
The answer to this clue is LEA, which refers to Lea Salonga. She is a Filipina singer and actress who provided the singing voice for the title character in the Disney animated film Mulan.
26“I’ve never seen anything so weird!” : IT’S BIZARRE
The answer to this clue is IT’S BIZARRE, which is a phrase used to express surprise or disbelief at something that is strange or unusual.
28 Facebook parent company : META
The answer to this clue is META, which is the parent company of Facebook. META was formerly known as Facebook, Inc., but changed its name in 2021 as part of a rebranding effort.
29 “Don’t go!” : STAY
The answer to this clue is STAY, which is another phrase that means “don’t leave yet”. It means to remain in a place or position or to delay departing.
32 NHL great Bobby : ORR
This clue is referring to Bobby Orr, a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen of all time. Orr played for the Boston Bruins and won numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including eight Norris Trophies as the NHL’s best defenseman and three Hart Trophies as the league’s most valuable player.
33 Minor complaints : NITS
In this crossword clue, “nits” refers to the eggs of lice, which are tiny insects that infest human hair and cause itching and irritation. The phrase “to pick nits” is also commonly used to describe the act of finding small, unimportant flaws or errors in something.
34 Nabe in lower Manhattan : SOHO
“Nabe” is a slang term for a neighborhood, and in this crossword clue, “Soho” is the neighborhood in question. Soho is located in lower Manhattan in New York City and is known for its trendy boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants.
35 __ story : SOB
This crossword clue is likely referring to a sob story, which is a sad or emotional tale that is often told in order to elicit sympathy or help from others. The phrase “to sob” can also mean to cry loudly and uncontrollably.
40 2016 World Series MVP Zobrist : BEN
This crossword clue is referring to Ben Zobrist, a former American professional baseball player who played primarily as a second baseman and outfielder. In 2016, Zobrist played a key role in helping the Chicago Cubs win their first World Series championship in over a century, and he was named the World Series MVP.
41 Broke bread : ATE
“To break bread” is a common phrase that means to share a meal with someone or to establish a friendly relationship with them. In this crossword clue, the answer is simply “ate,” which is the past tense of the verb “to eat.”
43 Tweeter’s “I think” : IMO
“IMO” is an acronym that stands for “in my opinion.” This phrase is commonly used on social media platforms like Twitter to indicate that the following statement represents the personal opinion of the user who posted it.
44 Pour on the TLC : DOTE
“To dote” on someone or something means to show excessive love or attention. In this crossword clue, “pour on the TLC” is a way of describing the act of doting. The word “TLC” is an abbreviation for “tender loving care.”
45 Some country homes : ESTATES
In this crossword clue, “estates” is referring to large, impressive homes that are typically located on extensive pieces of land. These types of homes are often associated with wealthy individuals or families and may include amenities like pools, tennis courts, and stables.
46 Instant Pot dishes : STEWS
An Instant Pot is a brand of electric pressure cooker that has become popular in recent years for its ability to quickly and easily cook a wide variety of dishes. In this crossword clue, “stews” is the answer because stews are a type of dish that can be made in an Instant Pot. Stews are typically made by simmering meat, vegetables, and other ingredients in a liquid for an extended period of time, resulting in a hearty and flavorful meal.
47 Gold standards : KARATS
A “karat” is a unit of measurement used to indicate the purity of gold. In the United States, one karat is equal to 1/24th of pure gold by weight, so 24-karat gold is considered to be 100% pure. In this crossword clue, “gold standards” is a play on words, as it can refer both to the high quality of pure gold and to the idea of a standard or benchmark against which other things are measured.
52 Crow : BRAG
“To crow” means to boast or brag about something, often in an annoying or obnoxious way. In this crossword clue, “crow” is the answer because it is a synonym for bragging.
53 Stage awards : OBIES
The Obie Awards are an annual ceremony that recognizes excellence in off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway theater. The awards are presented by The Village Voice newspaper and were first established in 1955. In this crossword clue, “stage awards” is a way of referring to the Obies.
54 TV producer Michaels : LORNE
Lorne Michaels is a Canadian-American television producer who is best known for creating and producing the long-running sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live.” Michaels has been involved in the entertainment industry for over 50 years and has also produced numerous other TV shows and movies. In this crossword clue, “Michaels” is the answer because it refers to Lorne Michaels specifically.
56 Bounty alternative : VIVA
“Bounty” is a brand of paper towels in the United States, and in this crossword clue, “Bounty alternative” is referring to another brand of paper towels that could be used as a substitute for Bounty. The answer is “Viva,” which is another popular brand of paper towels that are known for being durable and absorbent.
57 Harbinger : OMEN
A “harbinger” is a sign or indicator of something that is to come, often used in a negative context to suggest that bad things are on the horizon. In this crossword clue, “harbinger” is the answer, and “omen” is another way of expressing the same idea. An omen is a supernatural sign or warning that is believed to foretell the future.
58 Skills assessment : TEST
A “test” is a method of evaluating someone’s knowledge or skills in a particular area. Tests can take many forms, including multiple-choice, short answer, or essay questions. In this crossword clue, “skills assessment” is another way of referring to a test.
59 Skating commentator Lipinski : TARA
Tara Lipinski is a former American figure skater who won the gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, at the age of 15. After retiring from competition, she became a figure skating commentator for NBC Sports. In this crossword clue, “Lipinski” is the answer, and “Tara” is the first name of the figure skater being referred to.
60 Skills assessment : EXAM
Like “test,” an “exam” is a way of evaluating someone’s knowledge or skills in a particular area. The term “exam” is often used in a more formal context, such as in academic settings. In this crossword clue, “skills assessment” is another way of referring to an exam.
61 Provoke : RILE
“To rile” someone means to make them angry or irritated. In this crossword clue, “provoke” is the answer, and “rile” is a synonym that means the same thing.
63 Spasm : TIC
A “tic” is an involuntary twitch or spasm, often involving the face or neck muscles. Tics can be a symptom of certain neurological disorders, such as Tourette’s syndrome. In this crossword clue, “spasm” is the answer, and “tic” is another way of describing the same thing.
Leave a Reply