Crossword Genius

Biting article by plain-clothes officers (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acid

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

'biting' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'article by plain-clothes officers' is the wordplay.
'article' becomes 'a' (the indefinite article in English).
'by plain clothes officers' becomes 'cid' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'a'+'cid'='ACID'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for acid that I've seen before include "Vinegary" , "Sour-tasting" , "Type of chemical" , "bad rain" , "Sarcastic - tart" .)

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