External metal staircase (4,6) Crossword Clue
Answer: FIRE ESCAPE (10 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "External metal staircase (4,6)" with 10 letters is "FIRE ESCAPE".A fire escape is an external metal staircase or exit used for emergency evacuation in case of a fire or other danger, typically found on buildings to provide a safe route out. It is designed to offer a quick and secure escape from higher floors, often seen in older buildings with limited internal fire exits.
Why “Fire Escape” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (4,6) meaning “external metal staircase.” The answer, FIRE ESCAPE, fits exactly:
- External metal staircase: Fire escape describes a structure, typically made of metal, attached to the outside of a building for emergency evacuation — a precise match for the clue.
- Direct match: The phrase fits the clue’s enumeration (4,6) perfectly.
- Precise meaning: It refers to the emergency construction commonly seen on older multi-storey buildings, particularly in cities, providing safety during fires or other emergencies.
The fire escape is both an architectural and safety innovation:
- Origin and usage: The concept originated in the 19th century with the growth of urban housing, where safety measures became critical after devastating fires in densely populated neighborhoods.
- Structure and design: Typically built of steel or iron, fire escapes include stairways, ladders, and landings connected to each floor, providing a quick route to safety.
- Examples: “The fire escape ran along the rear wall of the building,” or “She climbed onto the fire escape to escape the smoke.”
Quick crossword clues like “external metal staircase (4,6)” usually offer straightforward definitions of functional or architectural objects:
- Synonymous phrases like safety stairs or escape route might come to mind, but fire escape fits exactly in both meaning and structure.
- The clue provides no hidden device, relying purely on general knowledge of man-made safety features.
- With perfect enumeration, familiar everyday context, and clear functional definition, fire escape is the correct crossword solution.
