Crossword Genius

A single Venetian magistrate drops round, making you nervous (2,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

on edge

'nervous' is the definition.
(on edge can mean nervous or tense)

'a single venetian magistrate drops round' is the wordplay.
'a single' becomes 'one' (a single thing - only one).
'venetian magistrate' becomes 'doge' (historical term for the chief magistrate of Venice).
'drops' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'round' becomes 'o' (o is a circular letter).
'doge' with 'o' removed is 'dge'.
'one'+'dge'='ON EDGE'

'making you' is the link.

(Other definitions for on edge that I've seen before include "Tense and irritable, with nerves stretched" , "stressed" , "Nervy, tense and irritable" , "Highly strung" , "Cliff-top walker may be" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.