Crossword Genius

Optimistic of making a flight on dodgy fuel? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hopeful

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'optimistic' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'of making a flight on dodgy fuel?' is the wordplay.
'of' becomes 'o''.
'making a flight' becomes 'hp' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'on' indicates putting letters inside (as in clothing 'on' a person).
'dodgy' is an anagram indicator (a dodgy or wrong order of the letters).
'o' inserted inside 'hp' is 'hop'.
'fuel' is an anagram of 'eful'.
'hop'+'eful'='HOPEFUL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hopeful that I've seen before include "Optimistic, expectant" , "Promising success" , "One wishing to succeed" , "Prospect" , "Wannabe" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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