Crossword Genius

Bulk of cream lad mixed to make hot dip? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caldera

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

'make hot dip?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'bulk of cream lad mixed' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
an anagram of 'lad' is 'ald' which is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'cera' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caldera that I've seen before include "Large volcanic crater -- lead car (anag)" , "Large volcanic crater - race lad (anag)" , "Result of eruption" , "Basin-shaped crater at top of volcano" , "Big hole in rock" .)

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