Crossword Answer For
Metaphor for a bad start
Last seen in LA Times Daily Crossword September 23, 2025 Answers
Have you been trying to solve "Metaphor for a bad start"? This clue was published in the LA Times Daily Crossword crossword on September 23, 2025. We maintain a database of crossword solutions and found 180 possible answers for this clue. WRONGFOOT (9 letters) is our top recommendation at 99% confidence.
Answer For Metaphor for a bad start:
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180 Other Potential Answers
Rank
Answer
Length
Source
Date
99%
WRONGFOOT
Metaphor for a bad start
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
99%
WRONGFOOT
Metaphor for a bad start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
5%
ESS
Slow start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 25, 2026
5%
ESS
Slow start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 25, 2026
5%
ASOF
Words before a start date
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 11, 2026
5%
ASOF
Words before a start date
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 11, 2026
5%
GEO
Logical start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 5, 2026
5%
GEO
Logical start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 5, 2026
5%
IDIOM
Pretty penny or bad penny
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 5, 2026
5%
IDIOM
Pretty penny or bad penny
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 5, 2026
5%
MESSY
Like a bad breakup
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 30, 2026
5%
MESSY
Like a bad breakup
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 30, 2026
5%
EVEN
Like the score at the start of overtime
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 28, 2026
5%
EVEN
Like the score at the start of overtime
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 28, 2026
5%
AIL
Feel bad
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 22, 2026
5%
AIL
Feel bad
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 22, 2026
5%
OHSORRY
"Whoops, my bad"
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 20, 2026
5%
OHSORRY
"Whoops, my bad"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 20, 2026
5%
OHNO
"This is really bad!"
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 14, 2026
5%
OHNO
"This is really bad!"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 14, 2026
5%
ONCE
Fairy tale start
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 3, 2026
5%
ONCE
Fairy tale start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 3, 2026
5%
DISCONTENTMILL
Factory that produces bad vibes?
(14)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 26, 2026
5%
DISCONTENTMILL
Factory that produces bad vibes?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 26, 2026
5%
OOPS
"My bad!"
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 21, 2026
5%
OOPS
"My bad!"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 21, 2026
5%
TEN
Countdown start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 11, 2026
5%
TEN
Countdown start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 11, 2026
5%
TEAANDTOAST
Simple way to start the day
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
5%
TEAANDTOAST
Simple way to start the day
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
5%
PARDONMYFRENCH
"Please excuse the bad language," and what can be said about 18-, 26-, 55-, and 65-Across
(14)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 5, 2026
5%
PARDONMYFRENCH
"Please excuse the bad language," and what can be said about 18-, 26-, 55-, and 65-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 5, 2026
5%
BLAHBLAHBLAH
"... and other meaningless drivel," or what can be found at the start of 20-, 34-, and 44-Across
(12)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 1, 2026
5%
BLAHBLAHBLAH
"... and other meaningless drivel," or what can be found at the start of 20-, 34-, and 44-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 1, 2026
5%
IMSOSORRY
"My bad!"
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 23, 2026
5%
IMSOSORRY
"My bad!"
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 23, 2026
5%
SOSO
Not bad, not great
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 19, 2026
5%
SOSO
Not bad, not great
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 19, 2026
5%
SCARE
Give a start
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 10, 2026
5%
SCARE
Give a start
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 10, 2026
5%
AGLINING
Upside found periodically in a bad situation?
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 3, 2026
5%
AGLINING
Upside found periodically in a bad situation?
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 3, 2026
5%
NEO
Fresh start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 23, 2026
5%
NEO
Fresh start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 23, 2026
5%
SPOIL
Go bad
(5)
Universal Crossword
Apr 13, 2026
5%
SPOIL
Go bad
Universal Crossword · Apr 13, 2026
5%
EXILED
Like Romeo at the start of Act V
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 12, 2026
5%
EXILED
Like Romeo at the start of Act V
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 12, 2026
5%
GROANED
Reacted to a bad joke
(7)
Universal Crossword
Apr 1, 2026
5%
GROANED
Reacted to a bad joke
Universal Crossword · Apr 1, 2026
5%
RUE
Feel bad about
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 29, 2026
5%
RUE
Feel bad about
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 29, 2026
5%
TOAST
A "ting, ting, ting" may signal its start
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 26, 2026
5%
TOAST
A "ting, ting, ting" may signal its start
Universal Crossword · Mar 26, 2026
5%
PLAYCATCHUP
Try to overcome a poor start
(11)
Universal Crossword
Mar 22, 2026
5%
PLAYCATCHUP
Try to overcome a poor start
Universal Crossword · Mar 22, 2026
5%
THATSWACK
Reaction to something weird and bad
(9)
Universal Crossword
Mar 22, 2026
5%
THATSWACK
Reaction to something weird and bad
Universal Crossword · Mar 22, 2026
5%
TEETH
Enforceability metaphor
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 14, 2026
5%
TEETH
Enforceability metaphor
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 14, 2026
5%
ROTS
Goes bad
(4)
Universal Crossword
Mar 9, 2026
5%
ROTS
Goes bad
Universal Crossword · Mar 9, 2026
5%
IMESSEDUP
"It's my bad"
(9)
Universal Crossword
Mar 1, 2026
5%
IMESSEDUP
"It's my bad"
Universal Crossword · Mar 1, 2026
5%
NOOBS
Players who may have to start over many times
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 27, 2026
5%
NOOBS
Players who may have to start over many times
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 27, 2026
5%
ISO
Late start?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 25, 2026
5%
ISO
Late start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 25, 2026
5%
LEGENDHASIT
Possible start of a folktale
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 7, 2026
5%
LEGENDHASIT
Possible start of a folktale
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 7, 2026
5%
ONPAPER
Where bad ideas might look better
(7)
Universal Crossword
Jan 30, 2026
5%
ONPAPER
Where bad ideas might look better
Universal Crossword · Jan 30, 2026
5%
STIFFUPPERLIP
*Composure metaphor in a P.G. Wodehouse title
(13)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 25, 2026
5%
STIFFUPPERLIP
*Composure metaphor in a P.G. Wodehouse title
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 25, 2026
5%
ILLSEEMYSELFOUT
Comment after a bad joke
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 24, 2026
5%
ILLSEEMYSELFOUT
Comment after a bad joke
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 24, 2026
5%
FIRSTPERSON
Narrated by the protagonist, or a hint to the start of 18-, 24-, 41- or 51-Across
(11)
Universal Crossword
Jan 21, 2026
5%
FIRSTPERSON
Narrated by the protagonist, or a hint to the start of 18-, 24-, 41- or 51-Across
Universal Crossword · Jan 21, 2026
5%
EVILOMEN
Really bad sign
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 14, 2026
5%
EVILOMEN
Really bad sign
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 14, 2026
5%
URLS
Addresses that may start with https://
(4)
Universal Crossword
Jan 11, 2026
5%
URLS
Addresses that may start with https://
Universal Crossword · Jan 11, 2026
5%
RIPER
Leaving less of a bad taste, maybe
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 9, 2026
5%
RIPER
Leaving less of a bad taste, maybe
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 9, 2026
5%
DENT
Make a bad impression?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 7, 2026
5%
DENT
Make a bad impression?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 7, 2026
5%
THATSONME
"My bad" ... or a hint to a two-line arrangement within each pair of starred clues' answers
(9)
Universal Crossword
Jan 6, 2026
5%
THATSONME
"My bad" ... or a hint to a two-line arrangement within each pair of starred clues' answers
Universal Crossword · Jan 6, 2026
5%
MEH
Not bad enough to pan
(3)
Universal Crossword
Jan 2, 2026
5%
MEH
Not bad enough to pan
Universal Crossword · Jan 2, 2026
5%
BENE
Good start?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 31, 2025
5%
BENE
Good start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 31, 2025
5%
KALE
Superfood whose "special power is tasting bad," per Jim Gaffigan
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 27, 2025
5%
KALE
Superfood whose "special power is tasting bad," per Jim Gaffigan
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 27, 2025
5%
DONTJINXIT
"You'll bring us bad luck!"
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 20, 2025
5%
DONTJINXIT
"You'll bring us bad luck!"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 20, 2025
5%
TOO
"___ bad, so sad"
(3)
Universal Crossword
Dec 13, 2025
5%
TOO
"___ bad, so sad"
Universal Crossword · Dec 13, 2025
5%
AMILATE
"Did you start already?"
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 11, 2025
5%
AMILATE
"Did you start already?"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 11, 2025
5%
OOPSY
"My bad!"
(5)
Universal Crossword
Dec 10, 2025
5%
OOPSY
"My bad!"
Universal Crossword · Dec 10, 2025
5%
SRY
Texter's "My bad"
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 8, 2025
5%
SRY
Texter's "My bad"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 8, 2025
5%
THEWAGESOFCYNICS
Compensation for those expecting bad outcomes?
(16)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 7, 2025
5%
THEWAGESOFCYNICS
Compensation for those expecting bad outcomes?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 7, 2025
5%
ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE
"It's not all bad news ...," and what the circled letters in this puzzle literally are?
(15)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 2, 2025
5%
ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE
"It's not all bad news ...," and what the circled letters in this puzzle literally are?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 2, 2025
5%
STALE
Like many bad jokes
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 22, 2025
5%
STALE
Like many bad jokes
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 22, 2025
5%
CONDO
*They accept bad behavior
(5)
Universal Crossword
Nov 21, 2025
5%
CONDO
*They accept bad behavior
Universal Crossword · Nov 21, 2025
5%
ALAS
"Too bad"
(4)
Universal Crossword
Nov 14, 2025
5%
ALAS
"Too bad"
Universal Crossword · Nov 14, 2025
5%
DEE
Don't start?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Nov 11, 2025
5%
DEE
Don't start?
Universal Crossword · Nov 11, 2025
5%
SWEAR
Say a bad word
(5)
Universal Crossword
Nov 11, 2025
5%
SWEAR
Say a bad word
Universal Crossword · Nov 11, 2025
5%
ALLALONG
From the start
(8)
Universal Crossword
Nov 9, 2025
5%
ALLALONG
From the start
Universal Crossword · Nov 9, 2025
5%
HIAGAIN
Follow-up start
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 1, 2025
5%
HIAGAIN
Follow-up start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 1, 2025
5%
ASS
Suffix that makes "bad" good?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Nov 1, 2025
5%
ASS
Suffix that makes "bad" good?
Universal Crossword · Nov 1, 2025
5%
RUES
Feels bad about
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 29, 2025
5%
RUES
Feels bad about
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 29, 2025
5%
NOONION
Request from a diner concerned about bad breath
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 28, 2025
5%
NOONION
Request from a diner concerned about bad breath
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 28, 2025
5%
ABET
Help a bad actor
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 26, 2025
5%
ABET
Help a bad actor
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 26, 2025
5%
MEALY
Like a bad apple
(5)
Universal Crossword
Oct 24, 2025
5%
MEALY
Like a bad apple
Universal Crossword · Oct 24, 2025
5%
MAL
Prefix meaning "bad"
(3)
Universal Crossword
Oct 18, 2025
5%
MAL
Prefix meaning "bad"
Universal Crossword · Oct 18, 2025
5%
ANEW
Fresh way to start
(4)
Universal Crossword
Oct 17, 2025
5%
ANEW
Fresh way to start
Universal Crossword · Oct 17, 2025
5%
SEEME
Message that might accompany a bad grade
(5)
Universal Crossword
Oct 11, 2025
5%
SEEME
Message that might accompany a bad grade
Universal Crossword · Oct 11, 2025
5%
INVISIBLEHAND
Economic metaphor introduced by Adam Smith ... or what can be seen four times in this puzzle?
(13)
Universal Crossword
Oct 10, 2025
5%
INVISIBLEHAND
Economic metaphor introduced by Adam Smith ... or what can be seen four times in this puzzle?
Universal Crossword · Oct 10, 2025
5%
ALF
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 17-Across
(3)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
5%
ALF
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 17-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
5%
HABIT
You can kick a bad one!
(5)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
5%
HABIT
You can kick a bad one!
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
5%
ANIMAL
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 58-Across
(6)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
5%
ANIMAL
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 58-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
5%
BERT
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 43-Across
(4)
Universal Crossword
Oct 9, 2025
5%
BERT
Puppet whose shadow is at the start of 43-Across
Universal Crossword · Oct 9, 2025
5%
NON
Starter start
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 3, 2025
5%
NON
Starter start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 3, 2025
5%
WHATASHAME
"Oh, that's too bad!"
(10)
Universal Crossword
Sep 26, 2025
5%
WHATASHAME
"Oh, that's too bad!"
Universal Crossword · Sep 26, 2025
5%
BOOED
Responded to a bad strike call
(5)
Universal Crossword
Sep 18, 2025
5%
BOOED
Responded to a bad strike call
Universal Crossword · Sep 18, 2025
5%
WADE
Get ready to start fly-fishing, say
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 16, 2025
5%
WADE
Get ready to start fly-fishing, say
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 16, 2025
5%
EVIL
Very bad
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 7, 2025
5%
EVIL
Very bad
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 7, 2025
5%
SEOUL
Korean city where BTS got their start
(5)
Universal Crossword
Sep 5, 2025
5%
SEOUL
Korean city where BTS got their start
Universal Crossword · Sep 5, 2025
5%
GROAN
React to a bad joke
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 31, 2025
5%
GROAN
React to a bad joke
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 31, 2025
5%
LEADERBOARD
List of top-scoring players, and what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 18, 2025
5%
LEADERBOARD
List of top-scoring players, and what the start of 17-, 23-, 39-, or 51-Across could be called?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 18, 2025
5%
UNLEARN
Break, as a bad habit
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 12, 2025
5%
UNLEARN
Break, as a bad habit
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 12, 2025
5%
MAKETHECUT
Survive an audition, and what one may do to the start of 18-, 23-, 36-, or 54-Across?
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 11, 2025
5%
MAKETHECUT
Survive an audition, and what one may do to the start of 18-, 23-, 36-, or 54-Across?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 11, 2025
5%
ATBAT
Rockie start?
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 9, 2025
5%
ATBAT
Rockie start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 9, 2025
5%
SEMI
Sweet start?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 8, 2025
5%
SEMI
Sweet start?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 8, 2025
5%
ROT
Go bad
(3)
Universal Crossword
Aug 4, 2025
5%
ROT
Go bad
Universal Crossword · Aug 4, 2025
5%
INDOORPOOL
Crawl space protected from bad weather?
(10)
Universal Crossword
Aug 3, 2025
5%
INDOORPOOL
Crawl space protected from bad weather?
Universal Crossword · Aug 3, 2025
5%
STINKAROOS
They're really bad
(10)
Universal Crossword
Aug 2, 2025
5%
STINKAROOS
They're really bad
Universal Crossword · Aug 2, 2025
5%
CABINETPICK
Presidential appointment ... or the start of 18-, 24-, 39- or 52-Across?
(11)
Universal Crossword
Jul 31, 2025
5%
CABINETPICK
Presidential appointment ... or the start of 18-, 24-, 39- or 52-Across?
Universal Crossword · Jul 31, 2025
5%
AFRESH
From the start
(6)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 14, 2025
5%
AFRESH
From the start
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 14, 2025
5%
ITLLNEVERFLY
"That has no chance of success," or a fact about the start of each starred clue's answer
(12)
Universal Crossword
Jul 7, 2025
5%
ITLLNEVERFLY
"That has no chance of success," or a fact about the start of each starred clue's answer
Universal Crossword · Jul 7, 2025
1%
URL
Address that often starts with "www"
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 21, 2026
1%
URL
Address that often starts with "www"
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 21, 2026
1%
IPOS
Long-term goals for some startups
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 6, 2026
1%
IPOS
Long-term goals for some startups
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 6, 2026
1%
FBI
Letters said while showing a badge
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 6, 2026
1%
FBI
Letters said while showing a badge
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 6, 2026
1%
ASKME
Words on a docent's badge
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 3, 2026
1%
ASKME
Words on a docent's badge
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 3, 2026
1%
DOORS
Opportunities, metaphorically
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 10, 2026
1%
DOORS
Opportunities, metaphorically
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 10, 2026
1%
OGRES
Fairy tale baddies
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 10, 2026
1%
OGRES
Fairy tale baddies
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 10, 2026
1%
RIG
Fix badly?
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 9, 2026
1%
RIG
Fix badly?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 9, 2026
1%
SEED
__ money: startup funds
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 3, 2026
1%
SEED
__ money: startup funds
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 3, 2026
1%
AVON
Cosmetics giant that started as the California Perfume Company
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 28, 2026
1%
AVON
Cosmetics giant that started as the California Perfume Company
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 28, 2026
1%
CLAN
Group of badgers
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 17, 2026
1%
CLAN
Group of badgers
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 17, 2026
1%
MEA
Apology starter
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 12, 2026
1%
MEA
Apology starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 12, 2026
1%
OGRE
Fairy tale baddie
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 10, 2026
1%
OGRE
Fairy tale baddie
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 10, 2026
1%
SAABS
Models whose names typically started with 9
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
1%
SAABS
Models whose names typically started with 9
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
1%
COMINGALIVE
Really starting to shine
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jun 6, 2026
1%
COMINGALIVE
Really starting to shine
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jun 6, 2026
1%
ORC
Tolkien baddie
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 29, 2026
1%
ORC
Tolkien baddie
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 29, 2026
1%
NOWIN
Sure to end badly
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 21, 2026
1%
NOWIN
Sure to end badly
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 21, 2026
1%
ASEA
Lost, metaphorically
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 19, 2026
1%
ASEA
Lost, metaphorically
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 19, 2026
1%
BUZZWORDS
Trendy jargon, or what can be found at the starts of 17-, 25-, 38-, and 53-Across
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 11, 2026
1%
BUZZWORDS
Trendy jargon, or what can be found at the starts of 17-, 25-, 38-, and 53-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 11, 2026
1%
POKERNIGHT
Evening when one hopes to get a good deal, and when one might hear the starts of 18-, 23-, 37-, and 47-Across
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 6, 2026
1%
POKERNIGHT
Evening when one hopes to get a good deal, and when one might hear the starts of 18-, 23-, 37-, and 47-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 6, 2026
1%
DON
Mattingly who was the Yankees starting first baseman for 12 seasons
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 5, 2026
1%
DON
Mattingly who was the Yankees starting first baseman for 12 seasons
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 5, 2026
1%
ACE
Stack starter in solitaire
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
May 4, 2026
1%
ACE
Stack starter in solitaire
LA Times Daily Crossword · May 4, 2026
1%
INRE
Memo starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 19, 2026
1%
INRE
Memo starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 19, 2026
1%
EGOT
"Grand slam" awards acronym spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 14, 2026
1%
EGOT
"Grand slam" awards acronym spelled out by the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 14, 2026
1%
URAL
Range that starts near the Kara Sea
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Apr 12, 2026
1%
URAL
Range that starts near the Kara Sea
LA Times Daily Crossword · Apr 12, 2026
1%
ALUMSIDING
*Metallic house exterior (Read six letters in this answer counterclockwise, starting at letter three)
(10)
Universal Crossword
Apr 10, 2026
1%
ALUMSIDING
*Metallic house exterior (Read six letters in this answer counterclockwise, starting at letter three)
Universal Crossword · Apr 10, 2026
1%
WWW
Internet address starter
(3)
Universal Crossword
Apr 4, 2026
1%
WWW
Internet address starter
Universal Crossword · Apr 4, 2026
1%
SIXSEVEN
2025 meme, or what the starts of 15- and 34-Across and the ends of 20- and 46-Across amount to
(8)
Universal Crossword
Apr 1, 2026
1%
SIXSEVEN
2025 meme, or what the starts of 15- and 34-Across and the ends of 20- and 46-Across amount to
Universal Crossword · Apr 1, 2026
1%
BEEP
Microwave sound (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
(4)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
BEEP
Microwave sound (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
INSCRUTABLE
Impossible to interpret (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter five in this answer)
(11)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
INSCRUTABLE
Impossible to interpret (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter five in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
STARMAP
Astronomer's chart (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter two in this answer)
(7)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
STARMAP
Astronomer's chart (Read four letters clockwise, starting with letter two in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
TURNS
Rotates (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 20, 2026
1%
TURNS
Rotates (Read eight letters clockwise, starting with letter one in this answer)
Universal Crossword · Mar 20, 2026
1%
FLINT
Fire-starting aid
(5)
Universal Crossword
Mar 12, 2026
1%
FLINT
Fire-starting aid
Universal Crossword · Mar 12, 2026
1%
DOERS
Self-starters
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Mar 1, 2026
1%
DOERS
Self-starters
LA Times Daily Crossword · Mar 1, 2026
1%
BUCKETLIST
Wishes of a lifetime, or what the starts of the answers to the starred clues form at a chicken restaurant?
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Feb 23, 2026
1%
BUCKETLIST
Wishes of a lifetime, or what the starts of the answers to the starred clues form at a chicken restaurant?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Feb 23, 2026
1%
SEA
Sinbad's setting
(3)
Universal Crossword
Feb 23, 2026
1%
SEA
Sinbad's setting
Universal Crossword · Feb 23, 2026
1%
SAILOR
Sinbad, for one
(6)
Universal Crossword
Feb 23, 2026
1%
SAILOR
Sinbad, for one
Universal Crossword · Feb 23, 2026
1%
OUTLINE
Term paper starting point
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 18, 2026
1%
OUTLINE
Term paper starting point
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 18, 2026
1%
VEGETABLEAISLE
Grocery store section with greens (... letters 6-13 into a name that starts with "I")
(14)
Universal Crossword
Jan 15, 2026
1%
VEGETABLEAISLE
Grocery store section with greens (... letters 6-13 into a name that starts with "I")
Universal Crossword · Jan 15, 2026
1%
GOSTALE
Age badly, in a way
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 15, 2026
1%
GOSTALE
Age badly, in a way
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 15, 2026
1%
STARTTHECLOCK
"I'm gonna begin ... now!" (... letters 3-11 into a name that starts with "C")
(13)
Universal Crossword
Jan 15, 2026
1%
STARTTHECLOCK
"I'm gonna begin ... now!" (... letters 3-11 into a name that starts with "C")
Universal Crossword · Jan 15, 2026
1%
TIMESHARES
Some vacation condo arrangements ... or a hint to what can follow the starts and precede the ends of the starred clues' answers
(10)
Universal Crossword
Jan 14, 2026
1%
TIMESHARES
Some vacation condo arrangements ... or a hint to what can follow the starts and precede the ends of the starred clues' answers
Universal Crossword · Jan 14, 2026
1%
ABC
Alphabet starter
(3)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 8, 2026
1%
ABC
Alphabet starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 8, 2026
1%
ERGO
Conclusion starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 7, 2026
1%
ERGO
Conclusion starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 7, 2026
1%
CONCOURSECORRECTION
Remodel of a badly designed airport terminal?
(19)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jan 4, 2026
1%
CONCOURSECORRECTION
Remodel of a badly designed airport terminal?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jan 4, 2026
1%
SASH
Merit badge location
(4)
Universal Crossword
Dec 29, 2025
1%
SASH
Merit badge location
Universal Crossword · Dec 29, 2025
1%
NANO
Tech startup?
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 27, 2025
1%
NANO
Tech startup?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 27, 2025
1%
PROTOSTAR
One just starting to shine
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 27, 2025
1%
PROTOSTAR
One just starting to shine
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 27, 2025
1%
SCOUTS
Merit badge earners
(6)
Universal Crossword
Dec 23, 2025
1%
SCOUTS
Merit badge earners
Universal Crossword · Dec 23, 2025
1%
MISNOMER
Thing that's handled badly
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 20, 2025
1%
MISNOMER
Thing that's handled badly
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 20, 2025
1%
NHLGAME
Contest that starts with a center-ice faceoff
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 18, 2025
1%
NHLGAME
Contest that starts with a center-ice faceoff
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 18, 2025
1%
AUTO
Self starter?
(4)
Universal Crossword
Dec 15, 2025
1%
AUTO
Self starter?
Universal Crossword · Dec 15, 2025
1%
BEERRUN
Trip to buy brewskis, or a sequence found in the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Dec 9, 2025
1%
BEERRUN
Trip to buy brewskis, or a sequence found in the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Dec 9, 2025
1%
ACTOUT
Behave badly
(6)
Universal Crossword
Dec 6, 2025
1%
ACTOUT
Behave badly
Universal Crossword · Dec 6, 2025
1%
INDENT
Paragraph starter
(6)
Universal Crossword
Dec 1, 2025
1%
INDENT
Paragraph starter
Universal Crossword · Dec 1, 2025
1%
MAUL
Injure badly
(4)
Universal Crossword
Nov 17, 2025
1%
MAUL
Injure badly
Universal Crossword · Nov 17, 2025
1%
PSST
Discreet conversation starter
(4)
Universal Crossword
Nov 15, 2025
1%
PSST
Discreet conversation starter
Universal Crossword · Nov 15, 2025
1%
EYEOPENING
Unexpectedly enlightening, and what can be found at the starts of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 49-Across
(10)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Nov 10, 2025
1%
EYEOPENING
Unexpectedly enlightening, and what can be found at the starts of 17-, 24-, 38-, and 49-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Nov 10, 2025
1%
XENON
Only element starting with "X"
(5)
Universal Crossword
Nov 9, 2025
1%
XENON
Only element starting with "X"
Universal Crossword · Nov 9, 2025
1%
VON
German surname starter, sometimes
(3)
Universal Crossword
Nov 3, 2025
1%
VON
German surname starter, sometimes
Universal Crossword · Nov 3, 2025
1%
HIGHFASHION
Haute couture, and a hint to the starts of 3-, 9-, 27- and 30-Down
(11)
Universal Crossword
Oct 28, 2025
1%
HIGHFASHION
Haute couture, and a hint to the starts of 3-, 9-, 27- and 30-Down
Universal Crossword · Oct 28, 2025
1%
THIRDRAIL
Topic to avoid, metaphorically
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 28, 2025
1%
THIRDRAIL
Topic to avoid, metaphorically
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 28, 2025
1%
CHINA
Asian country that dominates badminton in the Olympics
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 21, 2025
1%
CHINA
Asian country that dominates badminton in the Olympics
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 21, 2025
1%
SOURDOUGH
*Bread that needs a starter
(9)
Universal Crossword
Oct 13, 2025
1%
SOURDOUGH
*Bread that needs a starter
Universal Crossword · Oct 13, 2025
1%
NONET
Baseball team's starting lineup, e.g.
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 12, 2025
1%
NONET
Baseball team's starting lineup, e.g.
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 12, 2025
1%
TAKEFIVE
Go on a break, or what the starts of 16-, 20-, 32-, 43-, and 57-Across can be called
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Oct 7, 2025
1%
TAKEFIVE
Go on a break, or what the starts of 16-, 20-, 32-, 43-, and 57-Across can be called
LA Times Daily Crossword · Oct 7, 2025
1%
LIONSDEN
Hostile place, metaphorically
(8)
Universal Crossword
Oct 5, 2025
1%
LIONSDEN
Hostile place, metaphorically
Universal Crossword · Oct 5, 2025
1%
ATEAMS
Squads of starters
(6)
Universal Crossword
Oct 3, 2025
1%
ATEAMS
Squads of starters
Universal Crossword · Oct 3, 2025
1%
INKY
Like water surrounding a startled cuttlefish, maybe
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 29, 2025
1%
INKY
Like water surrounding a startled cuttlefish, maybe
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 29, 2025
1%
HTTP
URL starter
(4)
Universal Crossword
Sep 25, 2025
1%
HTTP
URL starter
Universal Crossword · Sep 25, 2025
1%
YEAST
Sourdough starter component
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
1%
YEAST
Sourdough starter component
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
1%
NIUNAMENOS
Feminist movement started in Argentina
(10)
Universal Crossword
Sep 23, 2025
1%
NIUNAMENOS
Feminist movement started in Argentina
Universal Crossword · Sep 23, 2025
1%
TROTS
Unlikely gaits out of the starting gate
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 21, 2025
1%
TROTS
Unlikely gaits out of the starting gate
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 21, 2025
1%
TRACEELEMENTS
The art student who was bored in chemistry class started to ...
(13)
Universal Crossword
Sep 18, 2025
1%
TRACEELEMENTS
The art student who was bored in chemistry class started to ...
Universal Crossword · Sep 18, 2025
1%
EDGE
Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 14, 2025
1%
EDGE
Jigsaw puzzle starting point, often
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 14, 2025
1%
CHANGINGTASTES
Evolving preferences, and a clue to the starts of 19-, 26-, 33- and 41-Across
(14)
Universal Crossword
Sep 4, 2025
1%
CHANGINGTASTES
Evolving preferences, and a clue to the starts of 19-, 26-, 33- and 41-Across
Universal Crossword · Sep 4, 2025
1%
AHEADOF
Leading, or, when parsed differently, what can lead into the starts of the answers to the starred clues
(7)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Sep 3, 2025
1%
AHEADOF
Leading, or, when parsed differently, what can lead into the starts of the answers to the starred clues
LA Times Daily Crossword · Sep 3, 2025
1%
REO
Speedwagon starter?
(3)
Universal Crossword
Sep 1, 2025
1%
REO
Speedwagon starter?
Universal Crossword · Sep 1, 2025
1%
ENERO
Calendario starter
(5)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 27, 2025
1%
ENERO
Calendario starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 27, 2025
1%
YAPAT
Try to startle, as a puppy might
(5)
Universal Crossword
Aug 25, 2025
1%
YAPAT
Try to startle, as a puppy might
Universal Crossword · Aug 25, 2025
1%
TRESPASS
Go badly?
(8)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 23, 2025
1%
TRESPASS
Go badly?
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 23, 2025
1%
BSA
Scouts ___ (org. with merit badges)
(3)
Universal Crossword
Aug 18, 2025
1%
BSA
Scouts ___ (org. with merit badges)
Universal Crossword · Aug 18, 2025
1%
POLEPOSITION
Best starting spot in auto racing ... or 19-, 28- or 40-Across?
(12)
Universal Crossword
Aug 14, 2025
1%
POLEPOSITION
Best starting spot in auto racing ... or 19-, 28- or 40-Across?
Universal Crossword · Aug 14, 2025
1%
DAYO
Belafonte song starter
(4)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Aug 1, 2025
1%
DAYO
Belafonte song starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Aug 1, 2025
1%
WEAREFAMILY
Sister Sledge classic whose second line is "I got all my sisters with me," and a hint to the starts of 17-, 24-, 39-, and 49-Across
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 21, 2025
1%
WEAREFAMILY
Sister Sledge classic whose second line is "I got all my sisters with me," and a hint to the starts of 17-, 24-, 39-, and 49-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 21, 2025
1%
PICNICAREAS
Outside eating spots, and where to find the starts of 17-, 27-, and 47-Across
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 15, 2025
1%
PICNICAREAS
Outside eating spots, and where to find the starts of 17-, 27-, and 47-Across
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 15, 2025
1%
WILDYEAST
*Sourdough starter
(9)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 14, 2025
1%
WILDYEAST
*Sourdough starter
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 14, 2025
1%
ERIE
Canal that starts near Albany, New York
(4)
Universal Crossword
Jul 11, 2025
1%
ERIE
Canal that starts near Albany, New York
Universal Crossword · Jul 11, 2025
1%
STRUGGLEBUS
Bumpy ride, metaphorically
(11)
LA Times Daily Crossword
Jul 5, 2025
1%
STRUGGLEBUS
Bumpy ride, metaphorically
LA Times Daily Crossword · Jul 5, 2025
Clues for LA Times Daily Crossword on September 23, 2025
Material for a "No. 1" finger
Crossword Clue
Squarish
Crossword Clue
Maddow's channel
Crossword Clue
Give the __-over
Crossword Clue
Mountaineer's goal
Crossword Clue
"Word has it ... "
Crossword Clue
What "vintage" often means
Crossword Clue
Perlman of "Barbie"
Crossword Clue
"Impossible!"
Crossword Clue
*Lines on a family tree
Crossword Clue
Frequently Asked Questions
How many possible solutions does "Metaphor for a bad start" have?
We found 1 exact solution and 180 total potential answers including similar clues. The most likely answer is WRONGFOOT (9 letters).
What is the best answer for "Metaphor for a bad start"?
The best answer for "Metaphor for a bad start" is WRONGFOOT with 9 letters.
This answer has a 99% confidence rating based on our database of crossword solutions.
Where has "Metaphor for a bad start" been used as a crossword clue?
This clue has appeared 1 time in our database.
It has been featured in LA Times Daily Crossword.
It was last seen in the LA Times Daily Crossword on September 23, 2025.