Crossword Genius

American topless in tiny bathing suit (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mankini

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

'bathing suit' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot judge whether it can be defined by this definition.

'american topless in tiny' is the wordplay.
'american' becomes 'a' (common abbreviation - e.g. in organisation names).
'topless' becomes 'nk' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'tiny' becomes 'mini'.
'a'+'nk'='ank'
'ank' put within 'mini' is 'MANKINI'.

Can you help me to learn more?

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