Crossword Genius

Frame’s hard and complete but not fine (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hull

'frame's' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Frame of boat' mean 'hull' so perhaps 'frame' could also mean 'hull')

'hard and complete but not fine' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'complete' becomes 'full' (synonyms).
'but not' is a deletion indicator.
'fine' becomes 'f' (abbreviation in pencil classifications).
'full' with 'f' taken out is 'ull'.
'h'+'ull'='HULL'

(Other definitions for hull that I've seen before include "Frame of boat" , "Main body of ship" , "Outer covering of a seed or nut" , "Framework of ship" , "Shell of boat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.