Crossword Genius

Perverse, rang back then went ahead (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gnarled

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

'perverse' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'rang back then went ahead' is the wordplay.
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'then' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'went ahead' becomes 'led' (led the way).
'rang' reversed gives 'gnar'.
'gnar'+'led'='GNARLED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gnarled that I've seen before include "Knobbly and twisted (of wood)" , "Knotty" , "Knotted, twisted (tree)" , "Rugged" , "Covered with knobs or knots, tree say" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.