Crossword Genius

Good man has the old irritation (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stye

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

'irritation' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'good man has the old' is the wordplay.
'good man' becomes 'st' (abbreviation for saint).
'has' says to put letters next to each other.
'the old' becomes 'ye' (resembles a historical spelling of 'the').
'st'+'ye'='STYE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stye that I've seen before include "makes viewer sore" , "Inflammation around the eye" , "irritation to the viewer" , "Viewer's complaint" , "Eye blemish" .)

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