Crossword Genius

Disappointing outcome that must hold little girl back (2,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

no joy

'disappointing outcome' is the definition.
('no joy' is said after a disappointing outcome)

'that must hold little girl back' is the wordplay.
'that' becomes 'yon' (archaic term meaning 'that').
'must hold' is an insertion indicator.
'little girl' becomes 'jo' (short for Josephine).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'yon' enclosing 'jo' is 'yojon'.
'yojon' reversed gives 'NO JOY'.

(Other definitions for no joy that I've seen before include "Unsuccessful (colloq.)" , "lack of success" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.