Crossword Genius

Force Merlin to sort out unexplained fault (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gremlin

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

'unexplained fault' is the definition.
'gremlin' can be an answer for 'fault' (I have seen 'Mechanical fault ' mean 'gremlin' so perhaps 'fault' could also mean 'gremlin'). I am not certain of the 'unexplained' bit.

'force merlin to sort' is the wordplay.
'force' becomes 'g' (short for gravity).
'to sort' indicates anagramming the letters.
'merlin' anagrammed gives 'remlin'.
'g'+'remlin'='GREMLIN'

'out' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gremlin that I've seen before include "Trouble-making imp" , "Mischievous machine saboteur" , "Mischievous goblin" , "mischievous type" , "Fault-causing sprite" .)

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