Crossword Genius

Spy that thing in rotten tree? You might spy this thing in rotten tree (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

termite

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

'might spy this thing in rotten tree' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'spy that thing in rotten tree?' is the wordplay.
'spy' becomes 'M' ('M' is James Bond's boss).
'that thing' becomes 'it'.
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'rotten' is an anagram indicator.
'm'+'it'='mit'
'tree' anagrammed gives 'tere'.
'mit' going inside 'tere' is 'TERMITE'.

'you' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for termite that I've seen before include "White ant" , "Wood-eating insect" , "Mound builder" , "Nest-building insect" , "Ant-like insect which destroys timber" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.