Crossword Genius

*Does dirt badly cake end of bolt when given a spanner? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

distorted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'given a spanner?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to change as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'does dirt badly cake end of bolt' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'cake' could be 'torte' (torte is a kind of cake) and 'torte' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for distorted that I've seen before include "Pulled out of shape" , "Deformed" , "Twisted" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.