Crossword Genius

Reading of tea leaves? (11)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

criminology

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

'reading of tea leaves?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'reading of' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'reading' could be 'r' (one of the traditional three R's of education) and 'r' is found in the answer.
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for criminology that I've seen is " Study of wrongdoing".)

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