What does the cryptic crossword clue "Small pine for one, or spruce (7)" mean?

The definition is "spruce". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). S (synonym="small") + MARTEN (synonym="pine for one – pine marten") = SMARTEN; definition: "spruce" The answer is SMARTEN.

Small pine for one, or spruce (7)

Times Cryptic #28766 | 4 Down | 2023-11-21 flower

← Back to puzzle

Visit Times's puzzle site →