Crossword Genius

Distant cardinal, out of tune (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

off-key

'out of tune' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'distant cardinal' is the wordplay.
'distant' becomes 'off' (far off).
'cardinal' becomes 'key' (synonyms).
'off'+'key'='OFF-KEY'

(Other definitions for off-key that I've seen before include "Out of tune" , "Inaccurate in pitch" .)

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