Crossword Genius

New flower gave friend a lift? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rosebud

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

'new flower' is the definition.
'rosebud' can be an answer for 'flower' (I have seen 'Unopened flower ' mean 'rosebud' so perhaps 'flower' could also mean 'rosebud'). I'm not sure about the 'new' bit.

'friend a lift?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'friend' could be 'bud' (shortly for buddy) and 'bud' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rose' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'gave' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rosebud that I've seen before include "Young flower - Citizen Kane's last word" , "Young flower (gathering recommended!)" , "J. Foster Kane's last word" , "Partially-opened flower" , "one with potential to bloom" .)

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.