I pleaded slyly and plotted secretly (4-4)
I believe the answer is:
deep-laid
'plotted secretly' is the definition.
The answer and definition are not the same part of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can sometimes define each other.
'i pleaded slyly' is the wordplay.
'slyly' is an anagram indicator.
'i'+'pleaded'='ipleaded'
'ipleaded' with letters rearranged gives 'DEEP-LAID'.
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution?
Install my app