Crossword Genius

One who speculates over blocking specific part of stair? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

theoriser

'one who speculates' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'over blocking specific part of stair?' is the wordplay.
'over' becomes 'o' (cricket abbreviation**).
'blocking' indicates putting letters inside.
'specific' becomes 'the' ('the' is used to refer to a specific item).
'part of stair?' becomes 'riser' ('riser' is part of 'stair').
'the'+'riser'='theriser'
'o' put within 'theriser' is 'THEORISER'.

(Other definitions for theoriser that I've seen before include "he thinks" , "One who reasons" , "speculator" , "one who speculates" , "One who has convictions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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