Crossword Genius

Free to overturn row that's more dishonest (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dirtier

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

'more dishonest' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are comparative adjectives. Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'free to overturn row' is the wordplay.
'free' becomes 'rid' (to be free of something is to be rid of it).
'to overturn' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'row' becomes 'tier' (a tier is a row of things).
'rid' written backwards gives 'dir'.
'dir'+'tier'='DIRTIER'

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dirtier that I've seen before include "Filthier" , "More filthy" , "Less clean" , "cleaner? The opposite" , "More grubby" .)

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