Crossword Genius

Carpet of grass gathered by worker (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

berate

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

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

'grass gathered by worker' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'grass' could be 'rat' (both can mean a snitch or informer) and 'rat' is located in the answer.
'worker' could be 'bee' (a worker bee) and 'bee' is found in the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for berate that I've seen before include "Condemn" , "Scold, castigate" , "Angrily scold/criticise" , "Scold or chide severely" , "Carpet" .)

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