Crossword Genius

Metal bat damaged a protective item (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

table mat

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

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

'metal bat damaged' is the wordplay.
'damaged' indicates anagramming the letters.
'metal'+'bat'='metalbat'
'metalbat' is an anagram of 'TABLE-MAT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for table mat that I've seen before include "Metal tab (anag)" , "Protector under plate" , "Protector from hot plates" , "Protector from hot dishes" , "Protective pad placed beneath plates at meals" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.