The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word FINES
F
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S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pawns/metal ore after screening" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pawns/metal ore after screening = fines.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FINES mean?
FINES noun- Fine champagne; French brandy.
- (usually in the plural) Something that is fine; fine particles.
- To make finer, purer, or cleaner; to purify or clarify.
- To become finer, purer, or cleaner.
- To make finer, or less coarse, as in bulk, texture, etc.
- To change by fine gradations.
- To clarify (wine and beer) by filtration.
- To become gradually fine; to diminish; to dwindle (with away, down, or off).
- A fee levied as punishment for breaking the law.
- To issue a fine as punishment to (someone).
- To pay a fine.
- The end of a musical composition.
- The location in a musical score that indicates the end of the piece, particularly when the piece ends somewhere in the middle of the score due to a section of the music being repeated.
- End; conclusion; termination; extinction.
- A final agreement concerning lands or rents between persons, as the lord and his vassal.
- A sum of money or price paid for obtaining a benefit, favor, or privilege, as for admission to a copyhold, or for obtaining or renewing a lease.
- To finish; to cease.
- To cause to cease; to stop.