Crossword Genius

Rule out / what spin doctors do [Faulty clue – ed.] (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

preclude

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

'rule out' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'spin doctors do faulty clue ed' is the wordplay.
'spin' says the letters should be written backwards.
'doctors do' becomes 'rp' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'faulty' indicates an anagram.
'rp' backwards is 'pr'.
'clue'+'ed'='clueed'
'clueed' anagrammed gives 'eclude'.
'pr'+'eclude'='PRECLUDE'

'what' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for preclude that I've seen before include "Prevent, forestall the possibility of" , "bar" , "Debar" , "Prevent, prohibit" , "Rule out or eliminate" .)

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