Crossword Genius

American sticks gift boxes in court (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

boondocks

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'american sticks' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'gift boxes in court' is the wordplay.
'gift' becomes 'boon' (I've seen this in other clues).
'boxes in court' becomes 'docks' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'boon'+'docks'='BOONDOCKS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for boondocks that I've seen before include "Remote inland area" , "dull provincial place" , "American sticks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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