Crossword Genius

Boat takes a minute to break bridge (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sampan

'boat' is the definition.
(sampan is a kind of boat)

'a minute to break bridge' is the wordplay.
'minute' becomes 'm' (abbreviation).
'to break' indicates putting letters inside.
'bridge' becomes 'span' ('span' can be a synonym of 'bridge'**).
'a'+'m'='am'
'am' put within 'span' is 'SAMPAN'.

'takes' is the link.

(Other definitions for sampan that I've seen before include "Asian skiff" , "Flat-bottomed Chinese skiff" , "Far Eastern boat" , "Boat in Far East" , "Small Asian rowing boat" .)

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