Question 1

What does the cryptic crossword clue "House improvement free of strain? (9)" mean?

Accepted Answer

The definition is "House improvement". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EX (synonym="EX") + TENSION (synonym="TENSION") = EXTENSION; definition: "House improvement" The answer is EXTENSION.

Question 2

What is the answer to "House improvement free of strain? (9)"?

Accepted Answer

The answer is EXTENSION.