Crossword Genius

Number coming up with a story (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

saga

'story' is the definition.
(I know that saga is a type of heroic tale)

'number coming up with a' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'gas' (anaesthetic gas - something which numbs).
'coming up' says the letters should be written backwards.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'gas' in reverse letter order is 'sag'.
'sag'+'a'='SAGA'

(Other definitions for saga that I've seen before include "Epic - legend" , "Tale of heroes" , "Long and involved story" , "Norse narrative" , "Long heroic tale" .)

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