Crossword Genius

Gift's hanky brought in to university (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thank you

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

'gift's' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'hanky brought in to university' is the wordplay.
'brought in' is an insertion indicator.
'university' becomes 'u' (abbreviation for university).
'hanky' going into 'to' is 'thankyo'.
'thankyo'+'u'='THANK-YOU'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thank you that I've seen before include "Much obliged!" , "Concentional expression of appreciation" , "Words of acknowledgement" , "Ta" , "Polite reply (to gift)" .)

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