Crossword Genius

Block off building with club and bit of stick (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brickbat

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

'bit of stick' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'block off building with club' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'block' could be 'brick' and 'brick' is located in the answer.
'club' could be 'bat' (as in sporting equipment) and 'bat' is found within the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for brickbat that I've seen before include "Highly critical remark" , "Building block used as missile" , "Hostile criticism - missile" , "Piece of blunt criticism" , "An uncomplimentary remark, or kind of missile" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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