How is worker producing effects? (9)
I believe the answer is:
operative
'effects?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.
'how is worker' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'worker' could be 'rat' (rat is a kind of worker) and 'rat' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'producing' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for operative that I've seen before include "Having force - skilled worker" , "Significant" , "American detective" , "Functioning; worker" , "desired effect" .)