Crossword Genius

A dainty thing framing painting, say -- priced separately

Ross

I believe the answer is:

a la carte

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'priced separately' is the definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives occasionally mean the same thing.

'a dainty thing framing painting say' is the wordplay.
'dainty thing' becomes 'lace' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'framing' is an insertion indicator.
'painting say' becomes 'art' (painting is a kind of art).
'lace' enclosing 'art' is 'lacarte'.
'a'+'lacarte'='A LA CARTE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for a la carte that I've seen before include "Showing individual price of fare" , "The more expensive menu" , "When each dish is charged individually" , "way of ordering things" , "Unrestricted in restaurant choice" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.