Crossword Genius

Puts around by means of an advert in the press, perhaps (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spreads

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

'puts around by means' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'an advert in the press perhaps' is the wordplay.
'an advert' becomes 'ad' (synonyms).
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'perhaps' indicates an anagram.
'press' is an anagram of 'spres'.
'ad' placed inside 'spres' is 'SPREADS'.

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spreads that I've seen before include "Cover the surface of, as with butter" , "Extends the feasts?" , "Extends; elaborate meals" , "Lays out" , "Distributes or disperses widely" .)

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