Crossword Genius

Eastern money to conserve jaguar, possibly in Mexican location? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yucatan

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'in mexican location?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'eastern money to conserve jaguar' is the wordplay.
'eastern money' becomes 'yuan' (I've seen this before. I am not sure about the 'eastern' bit.).
'to conserve' indicates putting letters inside.
'jaguar' becomes 'cat' (I've seen this in another clue).
'yuan' placed around 'cat' is 'YUCATAN'.

'possibly' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yucatan that I've seen before include "Mexican state" , "Mexican peninsula where Mayas lived" , "N. Mexican peninsula" , "Region of Mexico" , "Alcoholic drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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