Crossword Genius

It's dear with legs apart (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

astride

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

'with legs apart' is the definition.
(as in sitting astride a horse)

'it's dear' is the wordplay.
'it's dear' can be anagrammed to 'ASTRIDE'.
But, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for astride that I've seen before include "Standing over amid tirades" , "Extending across" , "With legs stretched apart - tirades (anag)" , "With one leg on either side, as sitting on horse" , "On top of" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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.