Crossword Genius

Pointed instrument with a piece of rope on (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

harpoon

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

'pointed instrument' is the definition.
'harpoon' can be an answer for 'instrument' (thesaurus). I am unsure of the 'pointed' bit.

'with a piece of rope on' is the wordplay.
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a piece of rope' becomes 'harpo' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'harpo'+'on' is 'HARPOON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for harpoon that I've seen before include "Weapon for whales" , "Whaling weapon" , "Spear for old whaler" , "Whale spear" , "One's cast out at sea" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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