Crossword Genius

Manipulate mind of blonde by talk (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gaslight

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'manipulate mind' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'blonde by talk' is the wordplay.
'blonde' becomes 'light' (I've seen this before).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'talk' becomes 'gas' (gas can mean to chat).
'light' put after 'gas' is 'GASLIGHT'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gaslight that I've seen before include "Old film" , "Old-fashioned illumination" , "Bergman film" , "that was illuminating for Fanny" , "source of illumination" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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