Ones paying flat rates ... or, when read as two words, a hint to this puzzle's theme

TENANTS

["**Hint:** \"Renters who might live in apartments, or a phrase that could describe a group of insects in this puzzle.\"\n\nThis hint guides the solver by:\n1. Offering a simpler synonym (\"renters\") for the direct definition.\n2. Alluding to the alternative interpretation (\"group of insects\") without explicitly stating \"ten ants.\"\n3. Keeping the thematic connection subtle while making the answer more accessible."]

**Explanation:** The clue "Ones paying flat rates ... or, when read as two words, a hint to this puzzle's theme" leads to the answer **"TENANTS"** through the following wordplay: 1. **Direct Definition:** "Ones paying flat rates" refers to **tenants**, as they typically pay a fixed (or "flat") rent for their living space. 2. **Alternative Interpretation:** When read as two words, "TENANTS" can be split into **"TEN ANTS"**, which serves as a hint to the puzzle's theme. The phrase "ten ants" might suggest a numerical or insect-related theme, depending on the crossword's context. This dual meaning—both a straightforward definition and a thematic hint—makes the clue clever and multifaceted.