Crossword Genius

Second mark gets criticism (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stick

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

'second mark' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 's' (common abbreviation).
'mark' becomes 'tick' (I've seen this before).
's'+'tick'='STICK'

'gets' is the link.

(Other definitions for stick that I've seen before include "Switch < put up" , "Tolerate" , "Rod" , "Flak - cling" , "Staff - criticism" .)

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