Crossword Genius

Dull socks unwrapped by digger (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mattock

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

'digger' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'dull socks unwrapped by' is the wordplay.
'dull' becomes 'matt' (similar in meaning).
'unwrapped' indicates the central letters (the letters which wrap the word are removed).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
The central letters of 'socks' are 'ock'.
'matt'+'ock'='MATTOCK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mattock that I've seen before include "Pickaxe with one flattened end" , "it may be groundbreaking" , "Pickaxe-like tool" , "Pick" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.