Metal wire (4)

I believe the answer is:

lead

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'metal' is the first definition.
(lead is a kind of metal)

'wire' is the second definition.
(lead is a kind of wire)

(Other definitions for lead that I've seen before include "first name in lights?" , "Go ahead; element" , "most important story" , "Soft, heavy metal" , "pioneer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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