Crossword Genius

One using needle or pin, not end of stick (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sewer

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

'pin not end of stick' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'one using needle' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'needle' could be 'sew' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'sew' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'er' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sewer that I've seen before include "Pipe to carry away waste matter" , "Channel to carry away waste water and matter" , "One stitching - discharge channel" , "Drainage conduit" , "Large pipe for carrying waste matter" .)

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