Crossword Genius

Magic spells charm guys with extreme theories (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

enchantments

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

'magic spells' is the definition.
'enchantments' can be an answer for 'spells' ('enchantment' can be a synonym of 'spell'). I'm unsure of the 'magic' bit.

'charm guys with extreme theories' is the wordplay.
'charm' becomes 'enchant' (enchanting is a kind of charming).
'guys' becomes 'men' (guy can mean a man).
'with' says to put letters next to each other.
'extreme' suggests removing the centre.
'theories' with its middle taken out is 'ts'.
'enchant'+'men'+'ts'='ENCHANTMENTS'

Can you help me to learn more?

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