Paradoxical, like a metal (6)
I believe the answer is:
ironic
'paradoxical' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'a metal' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'metal' could be 'ni' (Ni is an example) and 'ni' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'iroc' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'like' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ironic that I've seen before include "Sarcastic or deliberately perverse" , "Humorous through perverse contrariness" , "(Of a happening) having significance not perceived at the time" , "Dry (of wit)" , "Humorously sarcastic or mocking" .)