Crossword Genius

Comeback by Red Queen, a cutting remark (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

retort

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'a cutting remark' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'comeback by red queen' is the wordplay.
'comeback' is a reversal indicator.
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'red' becomes 'trot' (Trotskyite, type of socialist or 'red').
'queen' becomes 'ER' (short for Elizabeth Regina ie Queen Elizabeth).
'trot' put next to 'er' is 'troter'.
'troter' in reverse letter order is 'RETORT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for retort that I've seen before include "Quick and clever or angry reply" , "Witty answer" , "Answer in retaliation" , "Respond" , "Alembic; sharp reply" .)

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