Crossword Genius

Half-back has reporters in and shows off (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impresses

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

'and shows off' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'half-back has reporters' is the wordplay.
'half' becomes 'semi' (I've seen this before).
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'has' indicates putting letters inside.
'reporters' becomes 'press' (members of the press).
'semi' written backwards gives 'imes'.
'imes' placed around 'press' is 'IMPRESSES'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for impresses that I've seen is " creates favourable effect".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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.