Crossword Genius

But not too backward to copy a letter out? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coy

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

'but not too backward' is the definition.
'coy' can be an answer for 'backward' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'but not too' bit.

'copy a letter out?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'letter' could be 'y' (Y is a letter of the alphabet) and 'y' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'co' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
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 coy that I've seen before include "Military team in brief" , "Reserved" , "Demure, like Marvell's mistress" , "Pretending shyness" , "Pretending modesty" .)

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