What does the cryptic crossword clue "English chaps are dilettantes, only half-heartedly open to improvement (9)" mean?

The definition is "open to improvement". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). E (synonym="English") + MEN (synonym="chaps") + DAB (synonym="DAB") + LE (synonym="are dilettantes, with only half of its middle letters") = EMENDABLE; definition: "open to improvement" The answer is EMENDABLE.

English chaps are dilettantes, only half-heartedly open to improvement (9)

Times Cryptic #28787 | 16 Down | 2023-12-15 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Times's puzzle site →