Cows, cats and hens are involved (8)
I believe the answer is:
chastens
'cows' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'cats and hens are involved' is the wordplay.
'and' says to put letters next to each other.
'are involved' indicates anagramming the letters (involved can mean confusing or complex).
'cats'+'hens'='catshens'
'catshens' anagrammed gives 'CHASTENS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail, The Telegraph and The Guardian.
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