Crossword Genius

Shepherd's pie at last - I'm surprised in a way (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

escort

'shepherd's' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'pie at last i'm surprised in a way' is the wordplay.
'at last' indicates one should take the final letters.
'i'm surprised' becomes 'cor' (old-fashioned UK expression of shock or awe).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'a way' becomes 'st' (**).
The final letter of 'pie' is 'e'.
'cor' placed inside 'st' is 'scort'.
'e'+'scort'='ESCORT'

(Other definitions for escort that I've seen before include "conduct" , "restraint" , "Squire" , "Usher" , "Companion: train" .)

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