Crossword Genius

Mean abstainer catching the first part of 'Hey Joe' flipped (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tight

'mean' is the definition.
(both can mean miserly)

'abstainer catching the first part of hey joe flipped' is the wordplay.
'abstainer' becomes 'TT' (short for teetotaller, someone who avoids alcohol).
'catching' indicates putting letters inside.
'the first part of' says to take the initial letters.
'joe' becomes 'GI' (GI Joe).
'flipped' is a reversal indicator.
The first letter of 'hey' is 'h'.
'h'+'gi'='hgi'
'tt' enclosing 'hgi' is 'thgit'.
'thgit' in reverse letter order is 'TIGHT'.

(Other definitions for tight that I've seen before include "Inebriated" , "Close-fitting; tense" , "Hard to move; drunk" , "Parsimonious" , "Fast - affected by drink" .)

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