Crossword Genius

Sporting type's wife taking break by the French river (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wrestler

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

'sporting type's wife' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'break by the french river' is the wordplay.
'break by' becomes 'wrest' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'the french' becomes 'le' ('the' in French).
'river' becomes 'r' (abbreviation for river).
'wrest'+'le'+'r'='WRESTLER'

'taking' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for wrestler that I've seen before include "Fighter who holds and throws" , "Grappling combatant" , "Athlete who gets to grips with an opponent?" , "As someone lacking punch" , "One fighting in ring" .)

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