Crossword Genius

Metal gadget for hitting people on the head? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nutcracker

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

'metal gadget' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'hitting people on the head?' is the wordplay.
'hitting people' becomes 'cracker' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the head?' becomes 'nut' (informal term for somebody's head).
'cracker' put after 'nut' is 'NUTCRACKER'.

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nutcracker that I've seen before include "piece of Pavlova" , "The work of Tchaikovsky" , "Opener for brazils, almonds, etc" , "Brazil under pressure from this" , "Bird of the crow family" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.