Crossword Genius

Sandy area around the pole (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arena

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'sandy area around the pole' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'area around the pole' is the wordplay.
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'the pole' becomes 'n' (abbreviation for North, as in North Pole).
'area' placed around 'n' is 'ARENA'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arena that I've seen before include "Ring for contest" , "Battleground" , "Place or scene of activity" , "The place of action" , "Area surrounded by seating, for sports, etc." .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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