Dirty coat

GRIME

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue \"Dirty coat\":\n\n**\"It's not a jacket, but it can cover surfaces with filth.\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward thinking of \"coat\" as a layer rather than clothing and connects it to dirt or grime without giving away the answer directly."]

Certainly! Here's a clear and concise explanation for the crossword clue "Dirty coat" leading to the answer "GRIME": **Explanation:** The clue "Dirty coat" is a classic example of a double-meaning or cryptic crossword clue. It relies on wordplay where "coat" can refer to both an outer garment and a layer or covering. - **"Dirty"** suggests something unclean or filthy, which aligns with the word "grime." - **"Coat"** can mean a layer or covering, and "grime" is a layer of dirt or filth that coats surfaces. Thus, "grime" fits as a "dirty coat" in both the literal and figurative sense. The wordplay hinges on interpreting "coat" not as clothing but as a covering of dirt. No additional puns or cultural references are needed here—just a straightforward play on the dual meanings of "coat."