Crossword Genius

Second place for twisting symbolic design (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

motif

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

'symbolic design' is the definition.
'motif' can be an answer for 'design' (motif is a kind of design). I am not sure about the 'symbolic' bit.

'second place for twisting' is the wordplay.
'second' becomes 'mo' (both are short periods of time).
'place for' becomes 'fit' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'twisting' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (letters twist back).
'fit' in reverse letter order is 'tif'.
'mo'+'tif'='MOTIF'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for motif that I've seen before include "Distinctive theme in art" , "Logo -- pattern" , "Shape" , "Dominant theme in art" , "Distinctive idea or theme" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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