Crossword Genius

Hook giving thanks to half of capital (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

talon

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'hook' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'giving thanks to half of capital' is the wordplay.
'giving thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you'. I am not sure about the 'giving' bit.**).
'to half of' suggests halving the letters.
'capital' becomes 'london' (London is an example).
'london' cut in half is 'lon'.
'ta'+'lon'='TALON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for talon that I've seen before include "Holding part of flier" , "Raptor" , "Bird of prey's claw" , "part to make savage cuts" , "Hooked claw; cards left after deal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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