Crossword Genius

Ghastly top worn by primitive beginner? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lurid

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

'ghastly' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'top worn by primitive beginner?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'primitive' could be 'ur' (prefix meaning the earliest or original) and 'ur' is found in the answer.
'top' could be 'lid' (lid is a kind of top) and 'lid' is found within the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lurid that I've seen before include "In glaring colours, shockingly vivid" , "Glaringly vivid and graphic" , "Sensational or dazzling" , "Vivid, sensational" , "Bright and garish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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