Crossword Genius

Chap making a name by showing his invention to the French? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leslie

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

'chap making a name by showing his' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'invention to the french?' is the wordplay.
'invention' becomes 'lie' (something invented or made up).
'to' says to put letters next to each other (I've seen this in other clues).
'the french?' becomes 'les' (plural form of 'the' in French).
'lie' put after 'les' is 'LESLIE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for leslie that I've seen before include "Long-running dispute" , "I'll see (anag) - boy's name" , "- Howard, British actor (Gone with the Wind)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.