# Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Picture Frames

## Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Picture Frames



Add Topic

[](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/puzzles/crosswords/2023/12/21/daily-crossword-2023-12-20/80476386007/)

There are spoilers ahead. You might want to solve  before reading further! 

### Constructor: Zhouqin Burnikel

### Editor: Amanda Rafkin



### What I Learned from Today’s Puzzle

- **TOMEI (31D: "In the Bedroom" actress Marisa) In the Bedroom** A 2001 movie based on Andre Dubus' 1979 short story "Killings." Marisa TOMEI, Sissy Spacek, Tom Wilkinson, Nick Stahl, and William Mapother star in the movie, which deals with family dynamics. The title of the movie refers to the rear compartment of a lobster trap, which is known as the bedroom. The bedroom of a lobster trap can only hold two lobsters; any more than that, and the lobsters will turn on each other.

### Random Thoughts & Interesting Things

- **BAG (1A: Tote or baguette)** I had to think about this clue for some time to remind myself there is a BAG called a baguette, and that this clue isn't referring to a loaf of bread. A  is a small, compact handbag, which was designed by Fendi in the 1990s and popularized on the TV series _Sex and the City_. In fact, Sarah Jessica Parker's _Sex and the City_ character, Carrie Bradshaw, might take issue with this clue. There's a classic scene in the show's third season in which a mugger demands Carrie give him her BAG, and she responds, "It's a Baguette!"  
- **UCLA (11A: Sch. whose alumni have won 136 Olympic golds)** , every Summer Olympics since 1920 has featured a UCLA athlete. In addition to those 136 gold medals, UCLA athletes have won 71 silver and 63 bronze Olympic medals.
- **TORTE (19A: Rich, dense cake)** The mention of TORTE isn't referring to a pie. Instead, it's about a rich, dense cake. A TORTE is a small cake that can hold at least two cookies. For example, if you have a tortille, you'll have no room for another cookie.
- **HEN (32A: Female lobster) This clue is a reminder that HEN is used to refer to a female lobster, as well as to a female chicken. The term is also used to refer to various bird species, including turkeys and herons, and to a female octopus.**  
- **ELOTES (35A: Grilled snacks often topped with cotija) A dosa is a thin pancake made from a fermented batter of lentils and rice. ADAI dosa is a variation made with an unfermented batter.**  
- **SARA (43A: Twin sister of Tegan) The members of the pop duo  are identical twins, SARA Keirsten Quin and Tegan Rain Quin. Tegan and SARA have been active in advocating for LGBTQ equality. In 2016, they founded the  whose mission is "to invest in the potential of 2SLGBTQ+ communities."**  
- **MUG (48A: Dosa that pairs well with coconut chutney) A dosa is a thin pancake made from a fermented batter of lentils and rice. ADAI dosa is a variation made with an unfermented batter.**  
- **TOES (59A: Sticky parts of geckos) Here's another fun animal fact. A gecko's TOES are characterized by sticky pads that allow them to climb on smooth and vertical surfaces.**  

## Crossword Puzzle Theme Synopsis

- **SHORT SKIRT (16A: Garment that exposes the lower thigh)**
- **SHOW SOME RESPECT (38A: "Don't be a jerk!")**
- **SHOPPING CART (54A: Grocery store vehicle)**

### Featured Weekly Ad

### Keep on reading

- 
- 
- 
- 

### Explore More

- 
- 
- 

### Subscribe & Stay Connected

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

### About

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

### Support

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
```