Crossword Genius

Game kangaroos progress thus with spirits (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hopscotch

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

'game kangaroos' is the definition.
'hopscotch' can be an answer for 'game' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'kangaroos' bit.

'progress thus with spirits' is the wordplay.
'progress thus' becomes 'hop' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'spirits' becomes 'scotch' (Scotch is an example).
'hop'+'scotch'='HOPSCOTCH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hopscotch that I've seen before include "childish amusement" , "kids jump about in it" , "Children's pavement game" , "child's play" , "Children's game with squares on ground" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.