Crossword Genius

Make little of being subject to body politic (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

understate

'make little of' is the definition.
(understatement means making little of something)

'subject to body politic' is the wordplay.
'subject to' becomes 'under' (being subject to a law is being under it).
'body politic' becomes 'state' (synonyms).
'under'+'state'='UNDERSTATE'

'being' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for understate that I've seen before include "Represent as less important" , "Minimise the significance of (something)" , "Downplay" , "Play down" , "Speak with restraint" .)

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