The crossword solution for the term 'PLAYS THE CODA' is ENDS, which refers to the musical term coda. A coda is a passage of music that comes at the end of a piece and serves as a conclusion or resolution. It is usually composed of a few bars of music and is often used to bring a piece to a satisfying close. Therefore, the solution ENDS is referring to the fact that someone who plays the coda is playing the ending of a piece of music.