Crossword Genius

Flatter in a mild sort of way? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

blandish

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

'flatter' is the definition.
(I know that flatter can be written as blandish)

'in a mild sort of way?' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'a mild' becomes 'blad' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'sort of' becomes 'ish' (eg newish means sort of new).
'way?' becomes 'n' (Compass direction - North).
'blad'+'ish'='bladish'
'bladish' enclosing 'n' is 'BLANDISH'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blandish that I've seen before include "flatter" , "rather insipid" , "Use flattery" , "rather tasteless?" , "Wheedle" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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