Crossword Genius

Higher than the first sixteen characters? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atop

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

'higher than the first sixteen characters?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'higher than the first sixteen characters?' is the wordplay.
'higher than' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters go above others).
'the first' becomes 'top' (top can mean the best or first).
'sixteen characters?' becomes 'a' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'top' put after 'a' is 'ATOP'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atop that I've seen before include "Surmounting" , "On the highest point" , "In superior position" , "in the gods?" , "Situated on" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.