Crossword Genius

Speak so as to merit being given an Oscar? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orate

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

'speak so' is the definition.
'orate' can be an answer for 'speak' (orating is a kind of speaking). I'm unsure of the 'so' bit.

'to merit being given an oscar?' is the wordplay.
'to merit' becomes 'rate' ('rate' can be a synonym of 'merit').
'being given' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'an oscar?' becomes 'O' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'rate' put after 'o' is 'ORATE'.

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for orate that I've seen before include "Speak like Cicero?" , "Harangue" , "Speak formally" , "Speak in florid style" , "Erato (anag.)" .)

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