Crossword Genius

Paintings beat film noir? (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oil slick

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

'film noir?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'paintings beat' is the wordplay.
'paintings' becomes 'oils' (oil paintings).
'beat' becomes 'lick' (synonyms).
'oils'+'lick'='OIL-SLICK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oil slick that I've seen before include "ecological problem at sea" , "Surface film, leaking from a ship or well" , "Common marine spillage" , "Crude contaminant" , "Film of viscous liquid floating on top of water" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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