Crossword Genius

Cross Irish river, date swimming on it (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irritated

'cross' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'irish river date swimming on it' is the wordplay.
'irish' becomes 'IR' (abbreviation).
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'swimming' is an anagram indicator (letters swim around into a new order).
'on' is an insertion indicator (as in clothing 'on' a person).
'date' is an anagram of 'ated'.
'ated' enclosing 'it' is 'itated'.
'ir'+'r'+'itated'='IRRITATED'

(Other definitions for irritated that I've seen before include "Annoyed" , "Vexed" , "Cross" , "Irked" , "Ratty" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app