Lay turning obscene after midsection (5)

I believe the answer is:

dwelt

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

'lay' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'turning obscene after midsection' is the wordplay.
'turning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'obscene' becomes 'lewd' (synonyms).
'midsection' indicates the central letters.
The centre of 'after' is 't'.
'lewd' written backwards gives 'dwel'.
'dwel'+'t'='DWELT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dwelt that I've seen before include "Inhabited" , "Focused anxiously" , "hung out" , "Lived (in a place)" , "Thought moodily (about something)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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.