Crossword Genius

Killer in wood, wife smiled devilishly in repose (5,3,7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dutch elm disease

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

'killer in wood' is the definition.
'dutch elm disease' can be an answer for 'killer' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'in wood' bit.

'wife smiled devilishly in repose' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'wife' could be 'dutch' (slang term) and 'dutch' is found within the answer.
an anagram of 'smiled' is 'elmdis' which is within the answer.
'repose' could be 'ease' (synonyms) and 'ease' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dutch elm disease that I've seen before include "a growing problem" , "threat to the forest" , "Fungal tree ailment" , "tree problem" , "Killer" .)

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