Sunday June 7, 2026 Ricky J. Sirois

Theme: "FIVE STARS" - Each phrase that starts with a synonym of "excellent" is rephrased as a glowing review of the work/product/performance associated with people/group/place in the clue. 

23. Glowing review for a groundskeeper's work?: FLAWLESS DIAMOND.

41. Glowing review for a preprandial prayer?: AMAZING GRACE.

60. Glowing review for a wrestling team?: PERFECT MATCHES.

69. Glowing review for a cheerleading squad?: GREAT PYRAMIDS.

81. Glowing review for a purchase from a vintage music store?: SPOTLESS RECORD.

96. Glowing review for a bootlegger?: AWESOME SAUCE.

120. Glowing review for a chairmaker?: FIRST-CLASS SEATS.

The cluing is the key in this type of theme. I especially enjoyed the playful imagery of a chairmaker earning praise for FIRST CLASS SEATS and a bootlegger being complimented for AWESOME SAUCE. A fun, consistently executed set.

Across:

1. Boxer's attire: ROBE.

5. Cries and cries: SOBS. Valerie's cat ran away then found his way back home. 

9. Stretched to the limit: TAUT.

13. Implant: EMBED.

18. Took a hatchet to: AXED.

19. Freckles, e.g.: TRAIT.

21. Sch. in Sin City: UNLV. Located just east of the Las Vegas Strip. 

22. Disney film with the song "Shiny": MOANA. Sung by Tamatoa (Jemaine Clement).

26. Nickname for the NFL's Chargers: BOLTS.

27. Like modern microchips vis-à-vis those of the past: TINIER.

28. "Physician, __ thyself": HEAL.

29. Digital painting?: NAIL ART. 61. Turning points for ballerinas?: TOES.  Fantastic clues.

31. Mooched: SPONGED.

33. Oil barrel: DRUM.

35. Repeated word in the unofficial USPS motto: NOR.

36. Owned: HAD.

39. Tennis great Björn: BORG.

45. Hasbro's "game of unspeakable fun": TABOO.

49. Stretch that may be named for a music genre: ERA. The Swing Era, e.g.

51. Ready to serve: RIPE.

52. Moves like lava: OOZES.

53. Grande of "Wicked: For Good": ARIANA.

55. Show stoppers?: ADS.

57. Tangle: SNARL.

59. Chocolate confection: BARK. Chocolate bark. 

63. Arab rulers: EMIRS.

65. Odds and __: ENDS.

66. Star on a Christmas tree, often: TOPPER.

67. French bread: PAIN. Pane in Italian. Pan in Spanish.

68. Dorm VIPs: RAS.

73. Loops in via email: CCS.

76. Caustic cleaners: LYES.

77. Far from rude: POLITE. 

78. Solo at the Met: ARIA.

79. Decorative pillow covers: SHAMS.

85. Garage: SHOP. I've had two weeks of weed-free days. Amazing. The HOA finally came hard on that renter in 5505. Sometimes he smoked a storm in his garage.

86. Welcome at the door: SEE IN.

88. Result of a foul bunt with two strikes: OUT.

89. World's largest subtropical desert: SAHARA.

90. Become overwhelmed: PANIC. 111. "Just be calm ... ": BREATHE. 

92. Bouquet holder: VASE.

93. Rooibos, for one: TEA.

95. "Does that make sense?": GET IT.

100. Money in Oman: RIAL. RIEL is the Cambodian currency.

102. Tricksy: SLY.

103. Coq au __: VIN.

104. Nespresso inserts: PODS.

106. Library receipt info: DUE DATE.

115. Younger Gallagher brother: LIAM.  Younger brother of Noel Gallagher.

117. Sugar substitute: STEVIA.

118. Indigenous people of Nunavut: INUIT.

123. Metaphorical spot for the undecided: FENCE. On the fence.

124. "This can't be good ... ": UH OH.

125. George of the original "Star Trek": TAKEI.

126. Highway sign unit: MILE.

127. "What a pity": SO SAD.

128. Ditch: LOSE.

129. Nod off: DOZE.

130. Vehicle pulled by huskies: SLED.

Down:

1. Simple flotation devices: RAFTS.

2. Primrose variety: OXLIP. Lovely. 

3. Digestive aid brand: BEANO.

4. Gold medal hurdler Moses: EDWIN.

5. Playing both sides?: STEREO. Left side speaker & right side speaker.

6. Med. theaters: ORS.

7. Wingding: BASH.

8. Stood (with): SIDED. 

9. Tot's belly: TUM.

10. By and by, quaintly: ANON.

11. Radius neighbor: ULNA.

12. Heat-and-serve option: TV DINNER.

13. Targeted trade ban: EMBARGO.

14. Tie up to a pier: MOOR.

15. One of the Magi: BALTHAZAR. The other two are Caspar & Melchior. 

16. Sinus specialist, briefly: ENT.

17. Court figs.: DAS.

20. Prom queen's headgear: TIARA.

24. Femur, for one: LEG BONE.

25. Last year's sr.: ALUM.

30. Run-of-the-mill object?: LOG. A log can indeed be run through a sawmill.

32. Famous "Dr." from Compton: DRE.

34. Wetland: MARSH.

37. Some Taiwanese laptops: ACERS.

38. Home office need: DESK.

40. Pop's pop: GRAMPA.

42. Fan pub: ZINE.

43. Some high-ABV brews: IPAS. ABV stands for Alcohol by Volume. 

44. Williams of "Good Will Hunting": ROBIN.

45. Narrow: TAPER.

46. Sports center: ARENA.

47. Aviary inhabitants: BIRDS.

48. Lummoxes: OAFS.

50. Take from page to screen: ADAPT. And 54. Word on some Oscars: ACTRESS.

56. One foot forward: STEP.

58. Chairs: LEADERS.

62. Underground vault: CRYPT.

64. Start to behave?: MIS. Misbehave. 

67. Avocado centers: PITS.

69. Press room?: GYM. Bench press.

70. Candy wrapped in gold foil: ROLO.

71. Language from which "Alaska" is derived: ALEUT. Google AI says Alaska derives from the Aleut (Unangax) word alaxsxaq (or alaxsxix), meaning "mainland" or "great land."

72. Houseplant sprayer: MISTER.

73. Zagreb resident: CROAT.

74. Wispy clouds: CIRRI.

75. Nobel Peace Prize honoree Anwar: SADAT.

76. __ lazuli: LAPIS.

78. Yearn (for): ACHE.

79. Wrapped garment: SHAWL.

80. Glazed treats from Hostess or Little Debbie: HONEY BUNS.

81. Vast expanses: SEAS.

82. Fibonacci's birthplace: PISA.

83. Get the better of: ONE UP.

84. Aerie newborns: EAGLETS.

85. Pampering places: SPAS.

87. Action-packed: EVENTFUL.

91. Highly sought-after: COVETED. Kevin, our flea-market friend from 2005, owns one of the finest Twins collectibles in the country.

94. Succor: AID.

97. "Mamma __!": MIA.

98. Young horse: COLT.

99. Order from on high: EDICT.

101. Bluey, for one: AUSSIE. The puppy's younger sister is Bingo. Their father is Bandit and their mother is Chilli.

105. Light meal: SALAD.

107. Regards: DEEMS.

108. Be of use to: AVAIL.

109. Library receipt info: TITLE.

110. Simplified: EASED.

112. Costa __: RICA.

113. Chipper greeting: HI HO.

114. Greek god of love: EROS.

116. Fast shark: MAKO.  Literally "shark" in Maori.

118. Stipulations: IFS.

119. Prefix with classical: NEO.

121. Her partner, sometimes: SHE.

122. "Oh yeah? __ who?": SEZ.

C.C.

Sunday May 31, 2026 Samuel A. Donaldson

 Theme: "HARDLY RIGHT" - LY is added the end of the first word in each common phrase.

23. Kinda sorta up for it?: FAIRLY GAME. Fair game.

29. Like a portrait hung by a professional?: HIGHLY LEVEL. High level.

35. How beer is served?: COMMONLY COLD. Common cold.

49. Geeky without shame?: PUBLICLY SQUARE. Public square.

62. Faking trendiness?: ARTIFICIALLY HIP. Artificial hip.

93. Having the wealth of kings and queens?: ROYALLY FLUSH. Royal flush.

98. Like a smart recycler?: SAGELY GREEN. Sage green.

108. Sad, but composed?: CALMLY DOWN. Calm down.

A very consistent letter-addition theme. Adding LY to the first word of each familiar phrase transforms an adjective into an adverb. The noun in the second word becomes an adjective.  

Can someone explain the title to me? I don't quite get it. To me, it's just another theme entry. 

Across:

1. Sporty wheels: COUPE.

6. Cinematographer's choice: LENS.

10. Hasty: RASH.

14. "Purgatorio" poet: DANTE. "The Divine Comedy" consists of three parts: "Inferno", "Purgatorio", and "Paradiso".

19. Invalidate: ANNUL.

20. Four Corners state: UTAH.

21. Director Kazan: ELIA.

22. Hilo "Hi": ALOHA.

25. First man, in Maori mythology: TIKI. Gimme! 

26. Two-thirds of a magnum: LITER.

27. Cable giant acquired by AT&T: TCI.

28. An end to reason?: ABLE. Reasonable. 

31. Four-footed Jetson: ASTRO.

33. City on the Orne: CAEN. A city associated with the Battle of Normandy.

34. Ghostly sound: MOAN.

39. Yields to gravity: SAGS.

40. Promise not to tell, for short: NDA.

43. "__ of Girls' Things": poem by Sharon Olds: ODE.

44. "Great Expectations" ward: ESTELLA. Learning moment for me. 

45. Actress Spelling: TORI.

46. Marshmallow treat: PEEP.

47. Curly dos: PERMS.

52. Son of Rebekah and Isaac: ESAU. Isaac's favorite son. Rebekah liked Jacob more. 

53. "OutDaughtered" family name: BUSBY.

55. Unenviable grade: DEE.

56. "¿Cómo está __?": USTED.

57. Seawater evaporation site: SALT PIT. Also a learning moment. 

59. Sandwich shops: DELIS.

61. "Sure, I get it": AH OK.

67. Astrobiology subj.: SETI.

69. Toyed with: LED ON.

70. Cary Grant film about a gambler: MR LUCKY. Agnes probably saw this movie.

74. OB test: AMNIO.

75. Suffix with percent: ILE.

76. Print media: PRESS.

79. Unpartnered: LONE.

84. Early Mexican civilization: OLMEC.

85. Touchscreen image: ICON.

86. Charged particles: IONS.

87. Layered potluck staple: LASAGNA.

90. One of the orgs. merged in the Maastricht Treaty: EEC. European Economic Community. The Maastricht Treaty laid the foundation for today's European Union. Another learning moment for me.

91. Rainbow backdrop: SKY.

92. Burden: ONUS.

95. Baba ghanoush bread: PITA.

96. Bodies of water: SEAS.

97. "Here we go!": IT'S ON.

102. Yokozuna's sport: SUMO. Yokozuna is the highest rank in sumo wrestling. 

104. "__ Twist, Scientist": Netflix series with a magic lab: ADA.

106. Caffeinated: AWAKE.

107. Isn't 100%: AILS.

111. Spanish title: SENOR.

112. Many a "Survivor" locale: ISLE.

113. Magazine founder Eric: UTNE.

114. Pitcher's jam: MEN ON.

115. Barely beats (out): EDGES.

116. "Queer Eye" expert Jonathan Van __: NESS.

117. Letter opener: DEAR.

118. "Hello" singer: ADELE. Hello from the other side!

Down:

1. Lunchroom, for short: CAF.

2. Go __ great length: ON AT.

3. Like some parliaments: UNICAMERAL.

4. Perfectionist's creed: PURISM.

5. Beginning to lose?: ELL. The staring letter in lose.

6. Fastener on many European cars: LUG BOLT. I only know lug nut.

7. List abbr.: ET AL.

8. Reputation: NAME.

9. "That's all __ wrote": SHE.

10. Fixed, as shoelaces: RE-TIED.

11. Set straight: ALIGN.

12. One resisting the five thieves: SIKH. Here are the five thieves in Sikhism are kaam (lust), krodh (wrath), lobh (greed), moh (attachment) and ahankar (arrogance).

13. Last-ditch attempt: HAIL MARY.

14. Texas city where German chocolate cake was invented: DALLAS. I know this trivia.

15. "In space, no one can hear you scream" film: ALIEN.

16. Punishment for a Gen X kid: NO TV.

17. "Beautiful Mistakes" rapper Megan __ Stallion: THEE.

18. Viscount superior: EARL.

24. Tall tales: YARNS.

29. Permissible, in some diets: HALAL. Opposite of Haram.

30. Some meditation practitioners: YOGIS.

32. Temperature testers, at times: TOES.

33. Cheddar kin: COLBY.

35. Manages: COPES.

36. Ukrainian port south of Kyiv: ODESA.

37. Informal approvals: YEPS.

38. __ soda: CLUB.

39. Cirque du __: SOLEIL.

40. "How cool": NEATO.

41. Baseball Hall of Famer Jeter: DEREK.

42. Mimicked: APED.

45. Immune system component: T CELL.

46. Muscle training method: PUSH PULL. As in the popular Push/Pull/Legs workout split.

48. Genetic change: MUTATION.

50. Creative development: IDEA.

51. Covey member: QUAIL. A group of quail is called a covey. We also have 100. Group of pals: GANG.

53. Small amount: BIT.

54. Gas or elec.: UTIL.

58. Abbey figure: PRIOR.

59. Hullabaloo: DIN.

60. Sylvia of jazz: SYMS.

63. Makes a false show of: FEIGNS.

64. Runs in place: IDLES.

65. Last name of filmmakers Ethan and Joel: COEN.

66. Atty.'s billing units: HRS.

67. Noisy kiss: SMACK.

68. Relish: ENJOY.

71. Fall apart: COME UNDONE.

72. Joints with caps: KNEES.

73. "Ew!": YECCH.

74. "The Information" novelist Martin: AMIS. Son of Kingsley Amis. 

76. Says grace, e.g.: PRAYS.

77. Tabula __: RASA.

78. Airline that doesn't fly during the Sabbath: EL AL.

81. Like a fuzzy navel?: LINTY. Not orange.

82. "If it isn't my nemesis!": YOU AGAIN.

83. Online finance firm: E LOAN.

84. Bozos: OAFS.

88. Twinkle: GLIMMER.

89. Sleep aid brand: NYTOL.

92. Edmonton NHL team: OILERS.

93. Big Cup candy brand: REESE'S.

94. Like some questions: LOADED.

95. Black tea grade: PEKOE.

96. Hawks: SELLS.

98. RSVP convenience: SASE.

99. Blown away: AWED.

101. Ascend: RISE.

102. Quench: SATE.

103. Funny bone neighbor: ULNA.

105. USMC truant: AWOL.

108. Ruminant's mouthful: CUD.

109. Peruvian legend Sumac: YMA.

110. SSW reverse: NNE.

C.C.

Sunday May 24, 2026 Zachary Gallardo & Joe Marquez

 

Theme: "TRACK RECORDS" - Each theme entry is a song title re-imagined as a different kind of  "record".

24. Permanent record?: TOGETHER FOREVER.

32. Criminal record?: MACK THE KNIFE.

51. Historical record?: BACK IN THE USSR.

71. World record?: HEAVEN IS A PLACE ON EARTH.

85. Broken record?: I FALL TO PIECES.

108. Medical record?: LIKE A SURGEON.

116. Fossil record?: WALK THE DINOSAUR.

This type of theme may look simple on the surface, but it's actually quite restrictive. The entries all have to be recognizable song titles, the [? record"] phrases must be solid in the language, and each answer has to match the first word of the clue. 

This is the LAT debut for Zachary Gallardo and Joe's first Sunday. Congrats to both!

Across:

1. Costco rival, informally: SAM'S. Any of you are Costco members? There fresh coconuts are so good.

5. Undergrad lecturer: PROF.

9. Morehouse, for one: Abbr.: HBCU. Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
 
13. Mix, as a salad: TOSS. And 23. Grocery section: AISLE.

17. Plop (down): PLUNK.

19. iPad assistant: SIRI.

20. Word of sorrow: ALAS.

21. Sign into law: ENACT.

27. Goddess often depicted with a throne headdress: ISIS.

29. __ nouveau: ART.

30. Megacity of India: DELHI.

31. "__ news?": ANY.

37. Asides: TANGENTS.

39. Marvel's Punisher, for one: ANTI-HERO. Flawed protagonist. We also have 98. Attractive guy in Marvel Comics?: MAGNETO.

40. Beltway Series ballplayer, familiarly: NAT.

42. Mesh on a field: GOAL NET.

43. Comb target: KNOT.

44. Community of flora and fauna: BIOME.

47. Gender prefix: CIS.

49. Places where forks may be found?: ROADS. Fork in the road.

50. Terse confirmation: I AM.

55. Thumbs-up vote: YEA.

57. Shahidi of "Black-ish": YARA.  She was born in Minneapolis.

58. Jedi foe: SITH.

59. Curly coif: AFRO.

63. High-level perfidy: TREASON.

67. Mineral once used in baby powder: TALC.

69. Also: TOO.

70. Honeylike substances: GOOS.

75. Memo heading: IN RE.

76. Portuguese "Hello": OLA.

77. Newcastle upon __: TYNE.

78. Vampire squid's habitat: DEEP SEA.

79. Largest loch by volume: NESS. Fresh clue angle.

80. Pancake recipe instruction: FLIP. And 97. No longer on the table?: EATEN.

82. "Not one more step!": HALT.

84. Astrological big cat: LEO.

89. Jun. and Jul.: MOS.

92. Valuable violin: STRAD.

96. WNBA great Bird: SUE. She and Megan Rapinoe recently announced their split.

98. For a __ pittance: MERE.

99. Springsteen, to fans: THE BOSS.

102. Fuming: MAD.

104. Namesake of the AL batting title: ROD CAREW. He bowled in Boomer's league for a while.

106. Assessed anew: REVALUED.

111. Have a life: ARE.

112. Harsh in one's nose: ACRID.

114. LBJ's party: DEM.

115. __ colada: PINA.

121. Outdoes: BESTS.

124. Asparagus unit: SPEAR.

125. Totenberg of NPR: NINA. NPR's longtime legal affairs correspondent.

126. Use a mountain trail: HIKE.

127. Squirrel away: STORE.

128. Annual: Abbr.: YRLY.

129. Site with handmade goods: ETSY.

130. Longtime "Jeopardy!" host Trebek: ALEX.

131. Black gem: ONYX.

Down:

1. Mud bath venue: SPA.

2. "True Detective" actor Mahershala: ALI.

3. "Just the news I needed!": MUSIC TO MY EARS. 60. "Not sure why, but ... ": FOR SOME REASON. Stunning pair of 13's.

4. TV sketch featuring Chloe Fineman or Colin Jost: SNL SKIT.

5. Vancouver hrs.: PST.

6. Copacabana setting: RIO.

7. Church pipes: ORGAN.

8. Guy who hosts Food Network's "Tournament of Champions": FIERI.

9. "Take that!": HAH.

10. Changed the laundry?: BLED. Cute clue referring to colors bleeding in the wash.

11. Shift+6 symbol: CARET.

12. Old Glory: US FLAG.

13. "Young Frankenstein" actress: TERI GARR.

14. Pacific Coast Highway's route number: ONE.

15. African grassland: SAVANNA.

16. Like many shampoos: SCENTED.

18. "We the Youth" muralist Haring: KEITH. The mural is in Philadelphia.

22. Secret assignations: TRYSTS.

25. "L8r g8r!": TTFN.

26. "That's bad!": OH NO.

28. Fancy Feast alternative: SHEBA.

32. Sushi roll type: MAKI.

33. Ballerina Pavlova: ANNA.

34. Writer/illustrator Carle: ERIC. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar". 

35. Outlandish: KOOKY.

36. Per person: EACH.

38. Jeff Lynne's band: ELO.

41. Links: TIES.

45. Sporty Mazda model: MIATA.

46. Utterly captivated: ENRAPT.

48. Honeymoon booking: SUITE.

51. Clear nail polish, say: BASE.

52. Hunting cry: TALLY-HO.

53. Got up: STOOD.

54. Gave an impressive performance: SHONE.

56. Nesting sites: EAVES.

59. Slack-jawed: AGAPE.

61. Memorization method: ROTE.

62. Dept. of Labor div.: OSHA.

63. Out of __ air: THIN.

64. Philosopher Descartes: RENE.

65. Switch type: ON/OFF.

66. Wafer name since 1967: NILLA. And 68. Party nibble: CANAPE. Plenty of food in this grid.

72. Moves with the wind: SAILS.

73. Singer Cruz known as the "Queen of Salsa": CELIA.

74. Unadon fillets: EELS. Unadon is short for unagi donburi, literally "eel bowl".

81. Fruit that may be crossed with apricot: PLUM. Pluot.

83. Aquarium fish: TETRA.

85. Religious devotion to an object: IDOLATRY.

86. Jacksonville Jaguars color: TEAL.

87. Corp. bigwigs: CEOS.

88. Turn out to be: END UP.

90. Treat with vanilla creme: OREO.

91. Stitched: SEWN.

92. Grasp at __: STRAWS.

93. Remedial treatment: THERAPY.

94. Mardi Gras merrymaker: REVELER.

95. Gp. of lawyers: ABA.

100. "No __ luck!": SUCH.

101. Tranquil: SERENE.

103. Carthaginian queen in Virgil's "Aeneid": DIDO. Aeneas eventually deserted her.

105. Mobile homes?: CRIBS. Fun clue.

107. "All finished!": DID IT.

109. "Praying" singer: KESHA.

110. Part of a thread: EMAIL.

113. Rackets: DINS.

117. Actor Penn: KAL.

118. Thumbs-down vote: NAY.

119. Hawaiian chordophone, for short: UKE.

120. Film critic Reed: REX.

122. Push to the limit: TRY.

123. "Kama Sutra" topic: SEX.

C.C.

Sunday May 17, 2026 Matt Revis

Theme:  "SEE ZEE SIGHTS!" - See/Zee sound is added to each common phrase, changing spelling as needed.

23. Place to learn about chili peppers?: SPICY MUSEUM. Spy museum. 

32. Shearing event held under the big top?: FLEECY CIRCUS. Flea circus. 

47. Root for a Calgary franchise?: FANCY THE FLAMES. Fan the flame.

63. Event for people who won't drink Coca-Cola?: PEPSI RALLY. Pep rally. 

66. "Gangster Malone takes the bait!"?: BUGSY BITES. Bug bites.

83. Coffee table item in a dollhouse?: TEENSY MAGAZINE. Teen magazine.

95. Where it's hard to keep a secret?: NOSY MAN'S LAND. No man's Island. 

109. "Yes, I'll invest in beachfront property in Arizona!"?: PATSY ANSWER. Pat answer. 

I've mentioned before how much I admire this type of letter addition theme where spelling changes are involved. These are much harder to construct than straightforward insertions, It requires creativity.  

There are also quite a bit of clue echos in this grid. I love these three:

5. "Don't sweat the small stuff": WHY WORRY. 44. "Don't sweat the small stuff": LET IT SLIDE. And 106. Sweat the small stuff, say: FRET. I love these clue echos.

Across:

1. Scattered: STREWN.

7. Georgetown athlete: HOYA.

11. Baking amts.: TSPS.

15. Labor agcy.: OSHA.

19. "Weekend Edition Sunday" host Rascoe: AYESHA. Here she's playing Ping Pong with the Puzzlemaster Will Shortz. We also have 29. "Weekend Edition Sunday" airer: NPR.

20. Smell: ODOR.

21. Neutral color lighter than greige: ECRU. Greige is a blend of gray & beige.  

22. To-do: STIR.

25. Shimmery gem: MOONSTONE.

27. Egg maker: HEN.  35. Egg maker: FABERGE.

28. Telegrams: WIRES.

30. Lake near Syracuse, New York: ONEIDA. The largest lake entirely within New York State.

31. Salad bar accessory: TONGS.

38. Tara of "Sharknado": REID.

39. Earring option: HOOP.

40. "Unfortunately ... ": I FEAR.

41. Lucy Van __: "Peanuts" kid: PELT.

42. First number in many countdowns: TEN.

43. Envelope part: FLAP.

51. Unflinching: STEELY. 16. Unflappable: STOIC.

53. Part of a foot: INCH.

54. Countless lifetimes: EON.

55. "The Menu" star Taylor-Joy: ANYA. Super friendly letter combo. 

56. More to the point: BLUNTER.

57. Colorful method of data visualization: HEAT MAP.

60. __ Kippur: YOM.

61. Rowing implement: OAR.

62. Secret suffix: IVE.

69. Above, poetically: O'ER.

70. Former U.N. head Hammarskjöld: DAG. Swedish diplomat who died in a plane crash.

71. Listening device?: EAR.

73. Small gears: PINIONS.

74. Assembled in advance: PRE-MADE.

76. Chicken cordon __: BLEU.

78. California wine grape, for short: ZIN. Zinfandel.

79. Bunches (of): A LOT.

82. Triple-A squad in Buffalo: BISONS. Buffalo Bisons are the Triple-A affiliate of the Blue Jays.

86. Folksy assent: YES M.

87. Square root of cuatro: DOS.

88. Dayton's state: OHIO.

89. Connection points: NODES.

90. Picture of health?: X-RAY.

92. Stefani of No Doubt: GWEN.

93. Most cruel: MEANEST.

100. Game similar to pétanque: BOCCE. Pétanque is a French lawn game. Learning moment for me.

101. "Cool beans!": OH NEAT.

102. Pointer: TIP.

103. "Love Will Find a Way" band __ Cruise: PABLO.

104. Letters on some makeup bottles: SPF.

107. Chaotic swirl: MAELSTROM. Dutch origin.

112. North __ Sea: Central Asian lake: ARAL.

113. Stuff of legend: LORE.

114. Tiff: SPAT.

115. Look for solutions: IDEATE. 

116. __ Fifth Avenue: SAKS.

117. Farm females: EWES.

118. Abbey recess: APSE.

119. Din: RACKET.

Down:

1. Window part: SASH.

2. Use keys to enter: TYPE. And 4. F1 neighbor: ESC.

3. Horse rider's strap: REIN.

6. __ rights: sponsorship option: NAMING.

7. Garden coils: HOSES.

8. Poems of 49-Down: ODES. 49. Tribute: HOMAGE.

9. "If I were __ ... ": YOU.

10. Triceps locale: ARM.

11. Home of Arizona State: TEMPE. They have a great swimming program.

12. Leaves char marks on: SCORCHES.

13. Maven: PRO.

14. "Performance is what we do" gas brand: SUNOCO. No Sunoco near me.

15. Air fryer brand: OSTER.

17. Dharma follower: HINDU.

18. Zones: AREAS.

24. Hankering: URGE.

26. Quick cut: SNIP.

29. Composer Rorem: NED.

31. Shows some class, maybe?: TEACHES. Great clue.

32. Mac: FELLA.

33. Resonant chant: LITANY.

34. That way, quaintly: YON.

35. Stereotypical name for a poodle: FIFI.

36. Secret admirer's sign-off: A FAN.

37. Weight training exercise: BENCH PRESS.

38. Slo-mo reviewer: REF.

41. Punishment-related: PENAL.

42. Work together: TEAM UP.

43. Bog: FEN.

45. Advil alternative: ALEVE.

46. Combustible heaps: PYRES.

48. Foursomes: TETRADS.

50. "Butt out!" initials: MYOB. Mind Your Own Business.

51. Bringing down the house: SLAYING.

52. Auto engine booster: TURBO.

56. Part of the former Yugoslavia: BOSNIA.

58. Quinn of "Practical Magic": AIDAN. He was in "Blink" also. Scary movie.

59. Academy newbies: PLEBES.

63. Stop in: POP BY.

64. Spooky: EERIE.

65. Connecticut Ivy: YALE.

67. Thingamajig: GIZMO.

68. Hyper-focused: IN A ZONE.

72. Fame: RENOWN.

75. May honoree: MOM.

77. Led into a theater, slangily: USHED.

80. Change machine inserts: ONES.

81. End-of-unit check: TEST.

83. Place that's all fun and games: TOY STORE.

84. __ and yang: YIN.

85. South American behemoth: ANACONDA.

87. Karate skill level: DAN. Literally "stage". We call it "Duan" in Chinese.

90. Dec. 25: XMAS.

91. Shake up: RATTLE.

92. Word with age or wage: GAP.

93. "__-Dick": MOBY.

94. Cream-filled choux pastry: ECLAIR.

95. "Uncle!," in Spanish: NO MAS.

96. Catherine of "Beetlejuice": O'HARA.

97. Act clandestinely: SNEAK.

98. Whoops: YELLS.

99. Guacamole ingredients: LIMES.

100. Verb in a roast recipe: BASTE.

103. School gps.: PTAS.

104. Letters on an envelope: SWAK. I''ve never actually received an envelope with SWAK written on it.

105. Tennis great Sampras: PETE.

108. Fracas: ROW.

109. Infotainment spot: PSA.

110. Tablet download: APP.

111. Brief moment?: SEC.

C.C.

Sunday May 10, 2026 Katie Hale

 Theme: "GARDEN VARIETY" - Part of a familiar phrase is replaced by the name of a flower.

24. Show off very pale linseed plants?: WAVE THE WHITE FLAX. Wave the white flag. 

32. Monarch who wears an oxeye crown?: DAISY QUEEN. Dairy Queen.

53. Finds the best way to get thorns in one's hand?: STRIKES A ROSE. Strike a pose. 

70. "If you buy another showy pink bloom, so help me ... "?: NOT A PEONY MORE. Not a penny more. 

90. Throw a tantrum in a springtime meadow?: POUND POPPIES. Pound puppies. 

111. Fall wedding with a purple theme, perhaps?: ASTER PARTY. After party. 

Reveal: 

119. FTD Mother's Day slogan, or an alternate title for this puzzle?: SAY IT WITH FLOWERS.

Such a great reveal. Super consistent. Each theme entry has a one-letter change. That's a very tight constraint. The workable set is quite small.

I imagine this puzzle went through few clue changes. Katie is a pro at making smooth 21x21s. 

Katie Hale

Across:

1. Backpack, e.g.: BAG. 

4. "__ in Cincinnati": WKRP.

8. Go down: SINK.

12. Most eccentric: ODDEST.

18. Small matter: ATOM.

20. Grateful Dead co-founder Bob: WEIR. Another Grateful Dead guy who shows up from time to time is the bassist Phil LESH.

21. McFlurry cookie: OREO.

22. Nothing, in Italian: NIENTE.

23. "Tick that off my bucket list" hashtag: YOLO. You Only Live Once.

27. Eventually become: END UP.

29. Mandarin "hello": NI HAO. Ni = You. Hao = Good. 

30. Plunder: LOOT.

31. State of the __: ART.

34. Overwhelming desire: LUST.

36. Dramas set in Vegas and Miami: CSIS.

38. "Minaret" novelist Aboulela: LEILA. Sudanese writer. Born in Cairo and raised in Khartoum.

39. Collect copious amounts of: RAKE IN.

41. Swear: AVOW.

43. Like light yogurt: NON-FAT.

45. "That's so nice": AAH.

46. Advantage to get in competition: A LEG UP.

50. Sweetener in some 13-Down: SPLENDA. 13. Sugar-free soda: DIET COLA.

56. God of love: EROS.

57. Prized violin: AMATI. Paganini reportedly lost a valuable Amati violin because of gambling debts.

60. Chest muscles, briefly: PECS.

61. No. 2: VEEP.

62. Creamy drink: LASSI. Yogurt drink.

64. Major artery: AORTA.

67. "The Wild Robot" voice actor Ving: RHAMES. He also plays Luther Stickell in the "Mission: Impossible" films.

69. Caustic solution: LYE.

74. PD call: APB.

77. "Shabbat __": SHALOM.

79. "Same for me!": SO DO I.

80. Poolside need: TOWEL.

82. Baseball dynasty name: ALOU.

84. Farm cart: DRAY.

86. __ nous: ENTRE.

89. Cast a ballot: VOTE.

94. Future attorney's study material: CASE LAW.

96. Clay shaper: POTTER.

97. Old Hollywood studio: RKO.

98. "Fourth Wing" creature: DRAGON. Not famliar with the book, fantasy romance by Rebecca Yarros.

100. Nobel subj.: ECON.

102. Tiny, cutesily: EENSIE.

104. Wild West brothers: EARPS.

107. Farr co-star: ALDA.

109. Thessaly peak: OSSA.

114. Skater Midori: ITO.

115. Ephron who directed "You've Got Mail": NORA.

117. Ancient market: AGORA.

118. Give a start: SCARE.

124. "China Rich Girlfriend" novelist Kevin: KWAN. He also wrote "Crazy Rich Asians"

125. Go places: TRAVEL.

126. Promising letters: IOUS.

127. Shuffle cousin in the Apple family: NANO.

128. Fit of pique: SNIT.

129. Pre-Titans team: OILERS. The Houston Oilers later became the Tennessee Titans.

130. Wolfe created by Rex Stout: NERO.

131. Snapdragon Stadium sch.: SDSU. San Diego State University. 

132. Inspo for the Curtis Sittenfeld novel "Romantic Comedy": SNL.

Down:

1. Howled like a wolf: BAYED.

2. Like a composition without a key: ATONAL.

3. Oscar winner Hawn: GOLDIE.

4. Address bar letters: WWW.

5. Reeves of "Speed": KEANU.

6. Saint-Tropez region: RIVIERA.

7. Warm up: PREHEAT.

8. Old Compton Street's district: SOHO. Katie lives in London. 

9. Rage: IRE.

10. Fresh: NEW.

11. Department store chain with TV ads starring Ellie Kemper: KOHL'S.

12. Latch __: ONTO.

14. Rock's __ Leppard: DEF.

15. Zhou of China: ENLAI.  Zhou Enlai remains one of the most respected political figures in modern Chinese history.

16. Sky lights: STARS.

17. Send a message: TEXT.

19. Meek quality: MOUSINESS.

25. Go down: TANK.

26. Wee bit: IOTA.

28. Traffic cone: PYLON.

33. Post-presentation sesh: Q AND A.

34. "I don't buy it": LIAR.

35. Not hot and not cool: UNHIP. Fun clue.

37. Veer: SWERVE.

40. Snack: EAT.

42. Poughkeepsie college: VASSAR. Notable alumni include Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, who later co-starred in "The Devil Wears Prada."

44. Some group chat members, for short: FAM.

47. Takes unofficial R&R: GOES AWOL. Rare in the Chinese military because penalties are historically very severe.

48. Find purpose for: USE.

49. __ rally: PEP.

50. Trading floor call: SELL.

51. Say grace, say: PRAY.

52. Misses the cut: LOSES OUT.

53. Fathers: SIRES.

54. "Rainbow Connection" singer: KERMIT.

55. Warehouse sound: ECHO.

58. Road trip aid: AAA MAP.

59. Spinning toy: TOP.

63. "Be My Guest With __ Garten": INA. Her voice is so calming.

65. Plus: TOO.

66. Llama habitat: ANDES.

68. Chanced upon: MET.

71. Experienced expert: OLD PRO.

72. Sushi bar tuna order: TORO. The cut from the belly. Melt-in-your-mouth.

73. Hither's partner: YON.

75. Animal rights org.: PETA.

76. Huffed and puffed: BLEW.

78. Looked (for): HUNTED.

81. Cookie sheet holders: OVEN RACKS.

82. iPhone download: APP.

83. Bath facilities: LOO.

85. WWI Belgian battle site: YPRES. Google AI says this city witnessed four years of near-continuous, intense fighting and over 1 million total casualties across five major battles.

87. Classic TV brand: RCA.

88. More than ready: EAGER.

91. Sommelier's prop: DECANTER.

92. Flatpack furniture chain: IKEA.

93. Long, long time: EON.

95. Dial, Dove, and Irish Spring: SOAPS.

98. Denies any association with: DISOWNS.

99. Go back over: RETREAD.

101. Tuna roll wrap: NORI. We call it "zicai" in Chinese, literally "purple veggie". Nori turns dark green when it's roasted. 

103. Palm stem product: SAGO.

105. Shrimp kin: PRAWNS.

106. Drain in a sieve: STRAIN.

107. Pitfall! platform: ATARI.

108. Unwaveringly true: LOYAL.

110. Ballet slipper material: SATIN.

112. Brings home: EARNS.

113. Streisand title role: YENTL.

114. Analogy words: IS TO.

116. Barn birds: OWLS.

117. Plus: ALSO.

120. "__ never been better": I'VE.

121. Plot device?: HOE. Garden plot.

122. Calico coat: FUR.

123. Small amount: SOU.

C.C.