Delivering a rebuke, but going no further (7,2)
I believe the answer is:
pulling up
'delivering' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a rebuke but going no further' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'going' could be 'pulling' (pulling is a kind of going) and 'pulling' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'up' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app