Crossword Genius

It's for roasting clues written the wrong way (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spit

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

'clues written the wrong way' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'it's for roasting' is the wordplay.
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'roasting' becomes 'sp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'it' after 'sp' is 'SPIT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spit that I've seen before include "Expectorate into pits" , "Narrow peninsula" , "Expectorate on the tongue of land" , "Narrow point of land; saliva" , "Be furious" .)

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