Crossword Genius

Gratingly utters abrasive things (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rasps

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

'gratingly utters' is the definition.
'rasps' can be an answer for 'utters' (rasping is a kind of uttering). I am not certain of the 'gratingly' bit.

'abrasive things' is the wordplay.
'abrasive' becomes 'r' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'things' becomes 'asps' (I have seen 'poisonous things' mean 'asps' so perhaps 'things' could also mean 'asps').
'r'+'asps'='RASPS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rasps that I've seen before include "fruit briefly" , "Coarse files" , "Scrapes" , "speaks hoarsely" , "Jars" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.