Crossword Genius

Cut off air supply when Lambert's trapped by alien (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

strangle

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'cut off air supply' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their base form, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'lambert's trapped by alien' is the wordplay.
'lambert' becomes 'l' (synonyms).
'trapped by' indicates putting letters inside.
'alien' becomes 'strange' (synonyms).
'l' going within 'strange' is 'STRANGLE'.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for strangle that I've seen before include "Subdue" , "Asphyxiate, throttle" , "Tanglers - asphyxiate them" , "Finish off" , "Suppress (an impulse)" .)

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.