Crossword Genius

Alkaline substances holding up attempt to make porcelain (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

limoges

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'porcelain' is the definition.
(I have seen 'French porcelain ' mean 'limoges' so perhaps 'porcelain' could also mean 'limoges')

'alkaline substances holding up attempt' is the wordplay.
'alkaline substances' becomes 'limes' (lime is a kind of substance. I am not sure about the 'alkaline' bit.).
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'attempt' becomes 'go' (go is a kind of attempt).
'go' written backwards gives 'og'.
'limes' placed around 'og' is 'LIMOGES'.

'to make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for limoges that I've seen before include "French porcelain centre" , "French city known for its porcelain" , "French commune" , "foreign city" , "French city noted for enamels and porcelain" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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