Crossword Genius

Implements left in black stuff turned up (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tools

'implements' is the definition.
(tool is a kind of implement)

'left in black stuff turned up' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'black stuff' becomes 'soot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'turned up' says the letters should be written backwards.
'l' going into 'soot' is 'sloot'.
'sloot' backwards is 'TOOLS'.

(Other definitions for tools that I've seen before include "Hand implements" , "Implements used to carry out particular functions" , "Devices or implements, as of the trade" , "workman's implements" , "'A bad workman blames his . . . . .'" .)

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