Crossword Genius

They're hit in a mine on the way up, Mike admitted (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

timpani

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

'they're hit' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.

'in a mine on the way up mike admitted' is the wordplay.
'mine' becomes 'pit' (down the pit).
'on the way up' is a reversal indicator.
'mike' becomes 'm' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'admitted' is an insertion indicator.
'in'+'a'+'pit'='inapit'
'inapit' backwards is 'tipani'.
'tipani' going around 'm' is 'TIMPANI'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for timpani that I've seen before include "> kitchen equipment?" , "set of instruments" , "Features of kitchen" , "Set of kettledrums" , "Percussion instrument" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.