Copying a metallic sound (5)

I believe the answer is:

aping

'copying' is the definition.
('ape' can be a synonym of 'copy')

'a metallic sound' is the wordplay.
'metallic sound' becomes 'ping' (ping can mean a high-pitched noise).
'a'+'ping'='APING'

(Other definitions for aping that I've seen before include "Acting like a parrot" , "Imitating, copying" , "Trying to repeat" , "Taking off" , "Mimicking like monkey" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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