Crossword Genius

Inexperienced hack receives key preliminary report (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

newsflash

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

'preliminary report' is the definition.
'newsflash' can be an answer for 'report' (newsflash is a kind of report). I'm not sure about the 'preliminary' bit.

'inexperienced hack receives key' is the wordplay.
'inexperienced' becomes 'new' (similar in meaning).
'hack' becomes 'slash' (slash can mean to hack or chop).
'receives' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are received).
'key' becomes 'f' (musical key).
'slash' going around 'f' is 'sflash'.
'new'+'sflash'='NEWSFLASH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for newsflash that I've seen before include "Brief report" , "Bulletin" , "Dramatic announcement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.