Crossword Genius

Big cat seen by party organiser on heroin? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

horsewhip

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

'big cat' is the definition.
'horsewhip' can be an answer for 'cat' (thesaurus). I'm not certain of the 'big' bit.

'party organiser on heroin?' is the wordplay.
'party organiser' becomes 'whip' ('whips' keep discipline in parliamentary parties).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'heroin?' becomes 'horse' (slang term for heroin).
'whip' put after 'horse' is 'HORSEWHIP'.

'seen by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for horsewhip that I've seen before include "flog" , "punish painfully" , "Beat, lash" , "Coachman''s lash" , "Coachman's accessory" .)

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