Crossword Genius

Blessing to have well in African country (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

benison

'blessing' is the definition.
(I know that benison is a type of blessing)

'well in african country' is the wordplay.
'well' becomes 'so' (both can mean extremely).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'african country' becomes 'benin' (country in Africa).
'so' inserted into 'benin' is 'BENISON'.

'to have' is the link.

(Other definitions for benison that I've seen before include "Thanksgiving" , "Sob, nine turn into a blessing" , "Benediction" .)

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