Crossword Genius

Good time follows single and double (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spit

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

'double' is the definition.
(as in a 'spitting image')

'good time follows single' is the wordplay.
'good' becomes 'pi' (old-fashioned term for pious).
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'follows' says to put letters next to each other.
'single' becomes 's' (this might be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'pi'+'t'='pit'
'pit' put after 's' is 'SPIT'.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spit that I've seen before include "Large skewer - expel saliva" , "Long, narrow point" , "Skewer; headland" , "Roast turner" , "on the barbecue?" .)

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