Crossword Genius

Middle of massive empty cupboards stuffed with vintage carpets (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

scolds

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

'carpets' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't see how one could define the other.

'middle of massive empty cupboards stuffed with vintage' is the wordplay.
'middle of' means to look at the middle letters.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'stuffed with' indicates putting letters inside (I've seen this in other clues).
'vintage' becomes 'old' (I've seen this before).
The central letter of 'massive' is 's'.
'cupboards' with its centre taken out is 'cs'.
'cs' going around 'old' is 'colds'.
's'+'colds'='SCOLDS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scolds that I've seen before include "Tells off, rebukes" , "Nags - naggers" , "Berates, reproves" , "Reprimands, tells off harshly" , "Dresses down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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.