Crossword Genius

Numbers one set out as most obtrusive (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nosiest

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

'most obtrusive' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are superlative adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'numbers one set out' is the wordplay.
'numbers' becomes 'nos' (no. is a kind of number).
'one' becomes 'I' (Roman numeral).
'out' is an anagram indicator (out can mean wrong or inaccurate).
'set' with letters rearranged gives 'est'.
'nos'+'i'+'est'='NOSIEST'

'as' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nosiest that I've seen before include "Most snoopy" , "Most offensively curious" , "Most inquisitive" , "One sits (anag)" , "Most prying" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app