Crossword Genius

Scarlett reportedly killed with revolver, having missed lead piping? (3,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red hot

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

'scarlett reportedly killed with revolver' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'having missed lead piping?' is the wordplay.
'having missed' becomes 'red' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'lead' says to put letters next to each other.
'piping?' becomes 'hot' (I've seen this in other clues).
'red'+'hot'='RED-HOT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for red hot that I've seen before include "Very busy" , "Strongly fancied to win" , "highly emotional" , "Sexy" , "At a very high temperature" .)

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