Crossword Genius

Hot gear can set free one in the closet (4,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coat hanger

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

'one in the closet' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'hot gear can set free' is the wordplay.
'set free' is an anagram indicator (the letters are free to move around).
'hot'+'gear'+'can'='hotgearcan'
'hotgearcan' is an anagram of 'COAT HANGER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for coat hanger that I've seen before include "Hot carnage (anag.)" , "Curved piece of wood with a hook in a wardrobe" , "Wardrobe utensil" .)

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