Crossword Genius

Should, after getting them in trouble, I reckoned (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

methought

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

'i reckoned' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'should after getting them in trouble' is the wordplay.
'should' becomes 'ought' ('ought' can be a synonym of 'should').
'after getting' says to put letters next to each other.
'in trouble' is an anagram indicator.
'them' with letters rearranged gives 'meth'.
'ought' after 'meth' is 'METHOUGHT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for methought that I've seen before include "In old-fashioned way, I considered" , "I had the impression" , "The speaker concluded" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.