Crossword Genius

Out of metal? (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

not in

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

'out' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'metal?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'metal?' could be 'in' (In is an example) and 'in' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'not' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for not in that I've seen before include "ie Out" , "Out or away, house empty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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