Crossword Genius

Better? Spring inside and splash with dirty water? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bespatter

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

'splash with dirty water?' is the definition.
'bespatter' can be an answer for 'splash' (I've seen this in another clue). I am not certain of the 'with dirty water?' bit.

'better? spring inside' is the wordplay.
'spring' becomes 'spa' (spa can mean a mineral spring).
'inside' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'better' going around 'spa' is 'BESPATTER'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bespatter that I've seen before include "Dirty" , "Spray with droplets" , "Defame" , "Make mess of" .)

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