Rod in a hot rod

Answer:

AXLE

Hint:

This key automotive part connects the wheels and helps them turn together—without it, your car wouldn’t roll straight, even if the engine roars.

Explanation:

"A hot rod" refers to a customized car built for speed, and the "rod" part hints at a literal rod or bar in the vehicle. The axle is a key rod-like component that connects the wheels, making it the answer. The clue plays on the double meaning of "rod"—both the car type and the mechanical part."

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General solving tip

When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.

More tips → General Hints