Crossword Genius

Slate someone acting ineptly? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hammer

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

'slate' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'someone acting ineptly?' is the wordplay.
'someone' becomes 'ham' (ham is a kind of someone).
'acting ineptly?' becomes 'mer' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ham'+'mer'='HAMMER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hammer that I've seen before include "AuctioneerOs mallet" , "Horrific house" , "Small ear bone" , "Hit the nail on the head with this" , "Severely criticise" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sun.
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