Crossword Genius

Betting liberal rings before film (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spool

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

'film' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'betting liberal rings before' is the wordplay.
'betting' becomes 'sp'.
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'rings' becomes 'oo' (multiple circles).
'before' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'l' after 'oo' is 'ool'.
'sp'+'ool'='SPOOL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spool that I've seen before include "Loops around with reel" , "Loops around a thread holder" , "Bobbin, reel" , "Cylinder for winding film etc" , "Film reel; wind" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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