Like quality vocals

ONKEY

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue **\"Like quality vocals\"** with the answer **\"ONKEY\"**:\n\n*\"In tune, but with a twist—think of how 'quality' sounds when you say it out loud.\"*\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the homophone aspect (\"quality\" → \"kwal\") and the idea of being \"on key\" without directly giving away the answer. It’s easier than the original clue but still requires a bit of wordplay to solve."]

The clue **"Like quality vocals"** leading to the answer **"ONKEY"** is a playful example of crossword wordplay. Here's how it works: 1. **Homophone Hint**: The word "quality" is pronounced similarly to "kwal-ity," which sounds like "kwal" (as in "kwal-ity"). This hints at the word **"kwal"** being part of the answer. 2. **"Like" as a Synonym for "Similar to"**: The word "like" in the clue suggests that the answer is similar to or sounds like "quality vocals." 3. **"On Key" Meaning**: The phrase **"on key"** means singing or playing in tune, which directly relates to **"quality vocals"** (good singing). The answer is a pun on this phrase, with "kwal" (from "quality") replacing "key." 4. **Final Construction**: Combining "on" with the homophone "kwal" gives **"ONKEY"**—a whimsical, non-standard spelling that fits the crossword's playful nature. In summary, the clue uses a homophone ("quality" → "kwal") and a pun on the phrase "on key" to lead to the answer **"ONKEY."**