Crossword Genius

Returning songbird impishly carries bit of leaf (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

midrib

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

'leaf' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'returning songbird impishly carries bit' is the wordplay.
'returning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'bit' indicates a hidden word.
'birdim' can be found hidden inside 'songbird impishly carries'.
'birdim' back-to-front is 'MIDRIB'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for midrib that I've seen before include "part of leaf" , "Large vein on leaf" , "Central leaf vein" , "Part of leaflet" , "major vein" .)

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