Crossword Genius

Launches an attack on one artist when drunk (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tears into

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

'launches an attack' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'on one artist when drunk' is the wordplay.
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'when drunk' is an anagram indicator (I've seen this in other clues).
'one' put after 'artist' is 'artistone'.
'artistone' anagrammed gives 'TEARS INTO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for tears into that I've seen is " attacks".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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