Crossword Genius

One writing to judge about it - is that to try one's patience? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irritate

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

'that to try one's patience?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'one writing to judge about it' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'writing' becomes 'rit' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'to judge' becomes 'rate' (rating is a kind of judging).
'about it' indicates putting letters inside.
'rit' put within 'rate' is 'rritate'.
'i'+'rritate'='IRRITATE'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for irritate that I've seen before include "Rattier, I may be annoying" , "Cause annoyance" , "Nettle and annoy" , "Annoy or cause itching" , "badger" .)

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