Crossword Genius

Chap returning compliment finally in spades? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

titus

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

'chap' is the definition.

'returning compliment finally in spades?' is the wordplay.
'returning' is a reversal indicator.
'finally' indicates one should take the final letters.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'spades?' becomes 'suit' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
The last letter of 'compliment' is 't'.
't' going within 'suit' is 'sutit'.
'sutit' back-to-front is 'TITUS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for titus that I've seen before include "NT book" , "identifying Philemon's neighbour" , "recipient of holy letter" , "Groan maybe" , "Groan, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.