Crossword Genius

Squirm like a man under a summons? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

writhe

'squirm' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'man under a summons?' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'he' (he refers to a man).
'under' means one lot of letters go next to another (below, in a down clue).
'a summons?' becomes 'writ' (legal summons).
'he' put after 'writ' is 'WRITHE'.

'like a' is the link.

(Other definitions for writhe that I've seen before include "Struggle" , "6, maybe in agony" , "Squirm in pain" , "feel acute embarrassment" , "Twist in agony" .)

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