Crossword Genius

Fiction about fool and a helpful dog (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lassie

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

'a helpful dog' is the definition.
'lassie' can be an answer for 'dog' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'a helpful' bit.

'fiction about fool' is the wordplay.
'fiction' becomes 'lie' (fiction can mean a lie or fabrication).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'fool' becomes 'ass' (both can mean a stupid person).
'lie' going around 'ass' is 'LASSIE'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lassie that I've seen before include "Collie featuring in many films" , "Film and TV dog" , "girl found" , "Scots girl - film dog" , "Hollywood film-star dog" .)

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