Crossword Genius

Jack noted Kelly gets a bit spoilt (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tarnished

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

'spoilt' is the definition.
(tarnished can mean dirtied or spoilt)

'jack noted kelly gets a bit' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'jack' could be 'tar' (both are informal terms for sailor) and 'tar' is found within the answer.
'gets' could be 'is' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'is' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tarnished that I've seen before include "Sullied" , "Having lost lustre" , "Stained" , "Dulled, discoloured" , "Blemished" .)

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