Crossword Genius

Paltry metal can (3-3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tin-pot

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

'paltry' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'metal can' is the wordplay.
'metal' becomes 'tin' (tin is a kind of metal).
'can' becomes 'pot' (synonyms).
'tin'+'pot'='TIN-POT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tin-pot that I've seen before include "Worthless, contemptible" , "(Of country/leader) poor in leadership/organisation" , "Scornful term for worthless or inferior - like metallic utensil" , "(Of a country or leader) of poor quality" , "Scornfully worthless like metallic utensil" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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