Crossword Genius

Manipulated figure, one in voice returning to punch comrade (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marionette

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

'manipulated figure' is the definition.
(puppet manipulated with strings)

'one in voice returning to punch comrade' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'voice' becomes 'tir' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'returning' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'to punch' indicates putting letters inside.
'comrade' becomes 'mate' (I've seen this in other clues).
'tir' written backwards gives 'rit'.
'one' going into 'rit' is 'rionet'.
'rionet' put into 'mate' is 'MARIONETTE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for marionette that I've seen before include "being manipulated by others" , "one that needs stringing up" , "Puppet on strings" , "Pinocchio say" , "One has strings pulled" .)

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