The Clue
Car owner's problem (4 letter answer)
The Answer
RUST
Tags
Notes
The answer RUST is common and appears about once every 200 puzzles.
Related Clues
___ Belt
Corrode
Corrosion
Deteriorate
Idleness
Oxidize
Tarnish
Autumnal hue
Become oxidized
Corrode, as iron
Fall color
Fall shade
Iron's nemesis
Jalopy feature
Oxidation's evidence
Pipe problem
Plant fungus
Proof of oxidation
Reddish brown
Reddish-brown
Shade of brown
Shade of red
Sign of disuse
Sign of inactivity
Strong brown
Acquire signs of age
Body shop concern
"Diamonds and ___," Baez song
Tin Man's malady
" . . . dew will ___ them": Shak.
Lie idle too long
"Too much rest is ___": Scott
What oil helps dissolve
"If I rest, I ___": Luther
Definition
RUST as a noun:
1. a red or brown oxide coating on iron or steel caused by the action of oxygen and moisture
2. a reddish-brown discoloration of leaves and stems caused by a rust fungus
3. (rust, rusting) = the formation of reddish-brown ferric oxides on iron by low-temperature oxidation in the presence of water
4. (rust, rust fungus) = any of various fungi causing rust disease in plants
RUST as a verb:
1. (corrode, rust) = become destroyed by water, air, or an etching chemical such as an acid; "The metal corroded"; "The pipes rusted"
2. (corrode, eat, rust) = cause to deteriorate due to the action of water, air, or an acid; "The acid corroded the metal"; "The steady dripping of water rusted the metal stopper in the sink"
3. become coated with oxide
RUST as an adjective:
1. (rust, rusty, rust-brown) = of the brown color of rust