Crossword Genius

Express's topless spread (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

utter

'express's' is the definition.
('utter' can be a synonym of 'express')

'topless spread' is the wordplay.
'topless' means to remove the first letter.
'spread' becomes 'butter' (I've seen this before).
'butter' with its first letter taken off is 'UTTER'.

(Other definitions for utter that I've seen before include "Pure" , "Perfect" , "To say, articulate" , "Speak; completely" , "Say; total" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app