Crossword Genius

Is French spread never seen now? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

estranged

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

'seen now?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'is french spread never' is the wordplay.
'is french' becomes 'est' ('is' in French).
'spread never' becomes 'ranged' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'est'+'ranged'='ESTRANGED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for estranged that I've seen before include "no longer friendly" , "Alienated, disaffected" , "Having become unfriendly or alienated" , "A nerd gets (anag) - separated" , "Cut off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app