Crossword Genius

Some sail on gamely after reversing bloomer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

magnolia

'bloomer' is the definition.
(a magnolia might be in bloom)

'some sail on gamely after reversing' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'after reversing' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'ailongam' is hidden in the letters of 'sail on gamely'.
'ailongam' reversed gives 'MAGNOLIA'.

(Other definitions for magnolia that I've seen before include "Tinted white colour" , "Creamy colour" , "Main gaol (anag)" , "Creamy-white colour" , "Flower" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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