Crossword Genius

Biting insect at the bottom of deep hole (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trenchant

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

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

'insect at the bottom of deep hole' is the wordplay.
'insect' becomes 'ant' (ant is a kind of insect).
'at the bottom of' means one lot of letters go next to another (in a down clue, some letters go below others).
'deep hole' becomes 'trench' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'ant' put after 'trench' is 'TRENCHANT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trenchant that I've seen before include "Sharp" , "Distinct" , "Clear" , "Fierce" , "Incisive in expression" .)

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