Crossword Genius

British countryside is rather insipid (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bland

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

'rather insipid' is the definition.
'bland' can be an answer for 'insipid' (synonyms). I'm not sure about the 'rather' bit.

'british countryside' is the wordplay.
'british' becomes 'b' (abbreviation e.g. in 'BBC').
'countryside' becomes 'land' (I've seen this in other clues).
'b'+'land'='BLAND'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bland that I've seen before include "Insipid, banal" , "Insipid; lacklustre" , "Lacking taste, flavour" , "Insipid, vapid" , "without distinctive characteristics" .)

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