Crossword Genius

Make metal stiff (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

formal

'stiff' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'make metal' is the wordplay.
'make' becomes 'form' (synonyms).
'metal' becomes 'al' (chemical symbol for aluminium).
'form'+'al'='FORMAL'

(Other definitions for formal that I've seen before include "Punctilious" , "Ceremonious or prescribed" , "stuffy" , "conventionally correct" , "Ceremonial; ordered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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