Crossword Genius

Don't visit state flooded by river— awash with wood destroyed (4)

Ross

I think it could be either:

Which length description are you looking for?:

4

4,4
I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'don't visit' is the definition.
'stay' can be an answer for 'visit' (I've seen this in another clue). I'm unsure of the 'don't' bit.

'state flooded by river-awash with wood destroyed' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'river' could be 'tay' (Scottish river) and 'tay' is located in the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stay that I've seen before include "Put off - visit" , "Remain; prop" , "Remain; corset part" , "Stanchion" , "Supporting rod" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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