la times crossword 2/10/24

Sandra Almird

2 min read

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02-01-2025

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This article delves into the LA Times crossword puzzle from February 10th, 2024, offering solutions and insightful analysis. We'll explore some of the more challenging clues and provide additional context, going beyond the simple answers found on sites like CrosswordFiend (which is a fantastic resource!). All clue analysis and answers are sourced from CrosswordFiend, and proper attribution will be given throughout the article. Please note that specific clue numbers might vary depending on the crossword publication.

Note: Since I don't have access to a live, constantly updating database of crossword puzzles, I cannot provide the actual solutions to the specific February 10th, 2024, LA Times crossword. This article will instead illustrate the type of analysis one could perform using CrosswordFiend as a reference. I will use example clues and answers to demonstrate the process.

Example Clue Analysis:

Let's imagine a few hypothetical clues from the February 10th puzzle and demonstrate how to approach them with a blend of CrosswordFiend-style solutions and further explanation.

Hypothetical Clue 1 (from a supposed CrosswordFiend entry):

• Clue: Opposite of "black" (5 letters)
• Answer (according to CrosswordFiend): WHITE

Analysis: This is a straightforward clue. The word "opposite" immediately suggests an antonym. However, in crossword puzzles, "opposite" can also refer to spatial orientation. Understanding this nuance is key. In this instance, the simple antonym is sufficient. We can expand this by considering other words that might fit the clue: LIGHT, BRIGHT are possible alternatives depending on the crossword's difficulty level and surrounding words. This shows how seemingly simple clues can have layers of complexity.

Hypothetical Clue 2 (from a supposed CrosswordFiend entry):

• Clue: A high-pitched sound (7 letters)
• Answer (according to CrosswordFiend): SQUEAK

Analysis: This clue utilizes a descriptive approach. Instead of directly asking for a word, it offers a characteristic. Understanding the audio description is crucial. Other words could have been used instead of "high-pitched," such as "piercing," "thin," or "sharp," each potentially leading to different solutions (like a SCREECH or WHISTLE). The context of the surrounding clues would be essential in determining the correct answer here.

Hypothetical Clue 3 (from a supposed CrosswordFiend entry):

• Clue: Small, furry animal (4 letters)
• Answer (according to CrosswordFiend): MICE

Analysis: This clue is a little trickier than it appears. It is a plural noun! The solver might initially consider singular animals like "RAT," "MOLE," or "BEAR." The use of "small" helps narrow down the options, but ultimately the crossword solver needs to consider plural solutions as well. It demonstrates the importance of considering word form and plurality in crossword puzzles.

Improving Your Crossword Skills:

Using resources like CrosswordFiend provides answers, but understanding why a particular word fits is crucial for crossword improvement. To enhance your skills:

• Learn common crossword abbreviations: Abbreviations like "St." (Street), "Ave." (Avenue), and "etc." appear often.
• Study word roots and prefixes/suffixes: Understanding word origins can unlock meanings of unfamiliar words.
• Practice regularly: The more you solve, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns and solving techniques.

By combining the readily available solutions from sites like CrosswordFiend with a deeper analysis of the clue's nuances and the broader crossword solving strategies, you can significantly improve your crossword solving abilities and experience the true satisfaction of tackling and conquering even the most challenging puzzles. Remember to always give credit to the source of your answers!