Grate is a verb that means to reduce or make something smaller by rubbing it against a rough surface, often with a grating or rasping sound. It can also mean to cause annoyance or irritation, or to express dissatisfaction or resentment.
A crossword clue is a hint or piece of information given in a crossword puzzle to help the solver fill in the empty squares. It is usually a word or phrase that relates to the theme of the puzzle and is typically written in the form of a definition, synonym, or other type of wordplay.
Grate as a verb can be used in a crossword clue in a number of ways. It could refer to the physical act of grinding or rubbing something against a rough surface, in which case the clue might be something like "reduce to small pieces by rubbing against a rough surface." Alternatively, it could refer to the emotional experience of feeling annoyed or irritated, in which case the clue might be something like "cause annoyance or irritation."
In either case, the clue would likely be accompanied by a word or phrase that describes the object or subject being grated, such as "cheese" in the first example or "patience" in the second.
Overall, the use of the word "grate" in a crossword clue can add an element of variety and complexity to the puzzle, as it can have multiple meanings and require the solver to use critical thinking skills to determine the intended interpretation.
