Crossword Genius

Bootlicker to a day's ends? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toady

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

'bootlicker' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'to a day's ends?' is the wordplay.
'to a' becomes 'toa' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ends?' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters) (I've seen 'ends' mean this).
'day' with its middle taken out is 'dy'.
'toa'+'dy'='TOADY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toady that I've seen before include "Curry favour" , "Yes-man" , "Obsequious type" , "Obsequious person" , "crawler" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.