Crossword Genius

Bouncer intends to grab Yankee, certainly (2,3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

by all means

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

'bouncer intends to grab yankee' is the wordplay.
'bouncer' becomes 'ball' (something that bounces).
'intends' becomes 'means' ('mean' can be a synonym of 'intend').
'to grab' is an insertion indicator.
'yankee' becomes 'Y' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'ball'+'means'='ballmeans'
'ballmeans' going around 'y' is 'BY ALL MEANS'.

(Other definitions for by all means that I've seen before include "using every possible method" , "Of course, certainly" , "Be my guest!" , "expression of agreement" , "Please do" .)

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