Crossword Genius

Regularly took only spade? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tool

'spade?' is the definition.
(spade is a kind of tool)

'regularly took only' is the wordplay.
'regularly' means one should take alternating letters (regularly take one letter, leave next etc.).
'took'+'only'='tookonly'
The alternating letters of 'tookonly' are 'TOOL'.

(Other definitions for tool that I've seen before include "For example, saw" , "Drive motor skilfully" , "Implement - agency" , "Appliance" , "Hand implement" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.