Crossword Genius

Approval withheld in retreat? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nook

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

'retreat?' is the definition.
(nook is a kind of retreat)

'approval withheld' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'approval' could be 'ok' (OK is an example) and 'ok' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'no' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nook that I've seen before include "Recess or cranny" , "Comfortable corner" , "shady retreat" , "Small space" , "Corner - narrow recess" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
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