Crossword Genius

Podgy elf, backward and retiring (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fleshy

'podgy' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'elf backward and retiring' is the wordplay.
'backward' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'retiring' becomes 'shy' (I've seen this before).
'elf' backwards is 'fle'.
'fle'+'shy'='FLESHY'

(Other definitions for fleshy that I've seen before include "Sarcoid" , "Plump; soft and thick" , "Fat" , "Plump and meaty" , "Pulpy" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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