Crossword Genius

Played tapes to entertain little one in bed (5,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sweet pea

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

'one in bed' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'played tapes to entertain little' is the wordplay.
'played' is an anagram indicator.
'to entertain' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'little' becomes 'wee' (similar in meaning).
'tapes' is an anagram of 'stpea'.
'stpea' enclosing 'wee' is 'SWEET PEA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sweet pea that I've seen before include "Climbing garden plant - saw tepee (anag)" , "flowering plant" , "Eat, weeps and gets climbing flowers" , "Climbing plant with butterfly-shaped flowers" , "Garden plant with brightly coloured flowers" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app