Crossword Genius

Source of metal behind tree on land (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ashore

'on land' is the definition.
('ashore' can be a synonym of 'on land')

'source of metal behind tree' is the wordplay.
'source of metal' becomes 'ore' (I've seen this before).
'behind' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'tree' becomes 'ash' (ash is a kind of tree).
'ore' after 'ash' is 'ASHORE'.

(Other definitions for ashore that I've seen before include "Going on land from sea" , "Beached" , "Toward land from water" , "On(to) dry land" , "Aground" .)

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