Crossword Genius

Priest hugging retiring President in retreat? Not to be stomached (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inedible

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'not to be stomached' is the definition.
(ie not to be taken into one's stomach)

'priest hugging retiring president in retreat?' is the wordplay.
'priest' becomes 'eli' (biblical figure).
'hugging' indicates putting letters inside (outside letters hug or embrace inside letters).
'retiring president' becomes 'biden' (Joe Biden. I am not sure about the 'retiring' bit.).
'in retreat?' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (I've seen 'in retreat' mean this).
'eli' going around 'biden' is 'elbideni'.
'elbideni' backwards is 'INEDIBLE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inedible that I've seen before include "Unpalatable" , "Unfit for consumption" , "Not fit for consumption" , "Not suitable for consumption" , "Not suitable as food" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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