Crossword Genius

Copper, around a junction, promises to be wary (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cautious

'be wary' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'copper around a junction promises' is the wordplay.
'copper' becomes 'cu' (Cu is the chemical symbol for copper).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'junction' becomes 't'.
'promises' becomes 'IOUs' (promises to pay a debt).
'cu' going around 'a' is 'cau'.
'cau'+'t'+'ious'='CAUTIOUS'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for cautious that I've seen before include "Wary or prudent" , "Unadventurous" , "Careful, shrewd" , "Careful to avoid danger" , "Careful to avoid dangers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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