Crossword Genius

Small explosion a little after noon — drive off (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atishoo

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

'small explosion' is the definition.
'atishoo' can be an answer for 'explosion' (representation of the sound of a sneeze). I am unsure of the 'small' bit.

'a little after noon drive off' is the wordplay.
'a little after noon' becomes 'ati' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'drive off' becomes 'shoo' (shoo can mean to drive off or send away).
'ati'+'shoo'='ATISHOO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atishoo that I've seen before include "Word to be sneezed at" , "Sound of a sneeze" , "Sound made on expiration" , "Sneezing sound" , "hay-fever sufferer may interject this" .)

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