Crossword Genius

Comedian with cracking sets making a comeback (5-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stand up

'comedian' is the definition.
(I know that stand-up is a type of comedian)

'with cracking sets making a comeback' is the wordplay.
'with' becomes 'and'.
'cracking' means one lot of letters goes inside another (inserted letters go into a gap or crack).
'sets' becomes 'puts' ('put' can be a synonym of 'set').
'making a comeback' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'puts' reversed gives 'stup'.
'and' going into 'stup' is 'STAND-UP'.

(Other definitions for stand up that I've seen before include "To wash" , "one has to sit? Not at all" , "Performing solo" , "Fail to keep appointment" , "Performed solo (of a comedy routine)" .)

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.