Crossword Genius

Searching for strange thing about French article (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hunting

'searching for' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'strange thing about french article' is the wordplay.
'strange' indicates anagramming the letters.
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'french article' becomes 'un' (indefinite article in French).
'thing' with letters rearranged gives 'hting'.
'hting' enclosing 'un' is 'HUNTING'.

(Other definitions for hunting that I've seen before include "Questing for game" , "Searching; chasing game" , "Simple bell-ringing system; chasing" , "Controversial rural pursuit" , "Field sport" .)

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