Crossword Genius

Deighton, Irish specialist, is compassionate (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lenient

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

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

'deighton irish specialist' is the wordplay.
'deighton' becomes 'len' (I've seen this in another clue).
'irish' becomes 'i' (this might be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'specialist' becomes 'ent' (Ear, Nose and Throat specialist).
'len'+'i'+'ent'='LENIENT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lenient that I've seen before include "'Indulgent, easy (7)'" , "Tolerant, merciful" , "Not severe in punishing" , "Soft on the rules" , "Compassionate" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app