Crossword Genius

Hydrogen lost in explosion about to circulate in rod casing? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

holster

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

'rod casing?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'hydrogen lost in explosion about to circulate' is the wordplay.
'hydrogen' becomes 'H' (H is the chemical symbol for hydrogen).
'in explosion' indicates anagramming the letters (I've seen this in other clues).
'about' becomes 're' (regarding).
'to circulate' says the letters should be written backwards (I've seen 'circulating' mean this).
're' written backwards gives 'er'.
'lost' is an anagram of 'olst'.
'h'+'olst'+'er'='HOLSTER'

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for holster that I've seen before include "Receptacle for a hand-gun" , "Lost her (anag.)" , "put gun away" , "Holder for a hand-gun" , "Gun-holder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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