Crossword Genius

Clean down (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

preen

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

This clue might be a double definition.

'clean' is the first definition.
(preening is a kind of cleaning)

'down' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their base form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for preen that I've seen before include "setdown straight?" , "Beautify" , "Titivate oneself" , "(Of a bird) tidy and clean feathers" , "to give himself a pat on the back" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail and The Guardian.
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.