Crossword Genius

Nonsense about circle in underground development (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

root

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'underground development' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both locations as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'nonsense about circle' is the wordplay.
'nonsense' becomes 'rot' (rot can mean nonsense or rubbish).
'about' is an insertion indicator.
'circle' becomes 'O' (O is a circle).
'rot' enclosing 'o' is 'ROOT'.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for root that I've seen before include "Eg, turnip or carrot" , "Reptile" , "cheer" , "Rummage, origin" , "Part of plant drawing nutrients from soil" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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