Crossword Genius

Emergency for journey to relieve ancient city (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spare tyre

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

'emergency for journey' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'relieve ancient city' is the wordplay.
'relieve' becomes 'spare' (sparing is a kind of relieving).
'ancient city' becomes 'tyre' (ancient city in modern-day Lebanon).
'spare'+'tyre'='SPARE TYRE'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spare tyre that I've seen before include "Gastric band" , "Extra bit of fat" , "Something needed for flat" , "Extra weight round one's middle" , "Something kept for the flat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.