Put a cork in, say

STOPUP

["**Hint:** Think of a two-word phrase that means to block or seal something, then combine those words into one.\n\n*(This hint guides the solver toward the structure of the answer—\"stop\" + \"up\"—without explicitly stating it, while reinforcing the idea of sealing or plugging.)*"]

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation of the crossword clue and its answer: **Clue:** "Put a cork in, say" **Answer:** "STOPUP" **Explanation:** The clue uses a bit of wordplay to lead to the answer. "Put a cork in" is a phrase that can mean to stop or seal something (like a bottle), but in this case, it's interpreted more literally. "Put a cork in" can be rephrased as "stop up," where "stop" means to plug or seal, and "up" reinforces the idea of closing or blocking. The phrase "say" suggests that the answer is a synonym or a direct interpretation of the clue. Thus, "STOPUP" is a verb meaning to plug or seal, fitting the idea of "putting a cork in" something. The wordplay lies in interpreting the phrase as a direct action rather than a metaphorical one.