Crossword Genius

Regret briefly stinging argument (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sorrow

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

'regret' is the definition.
(I know that regret can be written as sorrow)

'briefly stinging argument' is the wordplay.
'briefly stinging' becomes 'sor' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'argument' becomes 'row' (to row is to argue).
'sor'+'row'='SORROW'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sorrow that I've seen before include "trial?" , "Unhappiness" , "Woe" , "Expression of grief" , "Shakespeare: ''Parting is such sweet . . . . . .'' (6)" .)

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