Crossword Genius

Shades among sugar crop from Chinese region (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cantonese

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

'chinese region' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'shades among sugar crop' is the wordplay.
'shades' becomes 'tones' ('tone' can be a synonym of 'shade').
'among' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are placed among others).
'sugar crop' becomes 'cane' (I've seen this in another clue).
'tones' put into 'cane' is 'CANTONESE'.

'from' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cantonese that I've seen before include "such food?" , "tongue" , "Chinese language" , "Asian language?" , "Form of Chinese" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app