A sorry state (10)
'a sorry state' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'state' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'state' could be 'tan' (tan is a kind of state) and 'tan' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for repentance that I've seen before include "Sincere remorse" , "Feeling of remorse" , "Contrition" , "Regret, remorse" .)
'a sorry state' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
This is all the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for penitence that I've seen before include "display of remorse" , "Contriteness" , "shame" , "Contrition, remorse" , "A show of regret for wrongdoing" .)