Crossword Genius

A teetotaller, I see, is well up in housing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

attic

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

'well up in housing' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'a teetotaller i see' is the wordplay.
'teetotaller' becomes 'tt' (abbreviation).
'see' becomes 'C' (the word for the letter, according to Chambers).
'a'+'tt'+'i'+'c'='ATTIC'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for attic that I've seen before include "from Greece" , "Ancient Greek dialect - top room" , "Top apartment" , "Loft room" , "Lofty room" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app