Crossword Genius

Like cold water, it can be poured on things (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scorn

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

'it can be poured on things' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'like cold water' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'cold' could be 'c' (eg on taps) and 'c' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'sorn' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scorn that I've seen before include "Disgust" , "Extreme contempt" , "Utter contempt" , "Look at with disdain" , "Hold in contempt" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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