Crank's maiden name? (8,6)
I believe the answer is:
starting handle
'crank's' is the definition.
(starting handle is a kind of crank)
'maiden name?' is the wordplay.
'maiden' becomes 'starting' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'name?' becomes 'handle' (a handle is a name).
'starting'+'handle'='STARTING HANDLE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for starting handle that I've seen is " crank".)
I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app