Crossword Genius

Bound to put small donation in hat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

limited

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

'bound' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'small donation in hat' is the wordplay.
'small donation' becomes 'mite' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'hat' becomes 'lid' (lid can informally mean a hat).
'mite' placed into 'lid' is 'LIMITED'.

'to put' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for limited that I've seen before include "Sort of company" , "Bound" , "plc" , "Restricted in extent/size" , "was restricting" .)

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