Crossword Genius

Make oneself scarce, grabbing right topcoat (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

varnish

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

'topcoat' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'make oneself scarce grabbing right' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'right' could be 'ar' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'ar' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for varnish that I've seen before include "Apply hard shiny top coating" , "Protective coating" , "'Hard, transparent coating (7)'" , "Hard, glossy, transparent coating" , "Nail polish" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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