Crossword Genius

Dug up then sent back this material (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

denim

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

'sent back this material' is the definition.
'denim' can be an answer for 'material' (type of fabric). I'm unsure of the rest of the definition.

'dug up' is the wordplay.
'dug' becomes 'mined' (dug into the ground).
'up' is a reversal indicator (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'mined' written backwards gives 'DENIM'.

'then' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for denim that I've seen before include "dark blue material" , "maker of jeans" , "Cloth for jeans, etc" , "Coloured cotton twill" , "Coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish 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.