Crossword Genius

Opening for a chap in the sanitation department (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

manhole

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

'the sanitation department' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'opening for a chap' is the wordplay.
'opening' becomes 'hole' (hole is a kind of opening).
'for' means one lot of letters go next to another (I've seen this in other clues).
'a chap' becomes 'man' (chap can mean a man).
'hole' put after 'man' is 'MANHOLE'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for manhole that I've seen before include "Opening with a cover giving access underground" , "Drain cover" , "Underground access point" , "Access chamber to sewer or drain" , "Street access cover" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.