Crossword Genius

Putting taverns around a road shows guts (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

innards

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

'guts' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'putting taverns around a road' is the wordplay.
'putting taverns' becomes 'inns' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'road' becomes 'rd' (abbreviation for road).
'a'+'rd'='ard'
'inns' enclosing 'ard' is 'INNARDS'.

'shows' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for innards that I've seen before include "Internal organs" , "Guts of mechanism" , "Works" , "Insides" , "Informally, stomach and bowels" .)

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