Crossword Genius

Soothe drudge misplacing laptop (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

salve

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

'soothe' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'drudge misplacing laptop' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'laptop' could be 'l' (top of the word 'lap') and 'l' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'save' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for salve that I've seen before include "Healing ointment" , "One rubbed on skin" , "Soothing cream" , "consolation" , "Ointment for wounds" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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