Crossword Genius

Peter and mate confused but self-restrained (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

temperate

'self-restrained' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'peter and mate confused' is the wordplay.
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'confused' indicates an anagram.
'peter' put after 'mate' is 'matepeter'.
'matepeter' with letters rearranged gives 'TEMPERATE'.

'but' is the link.

(Other definitions for temperate that I've seen before include "With mild climate" , "Showing moderation" , "comfortably warm?" , "Abstemious" , "It is reasonable" .)

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.