Crossword Genius

Staggering fish caught by crew (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reeling

'staggering' is the definition.
('reel' can be a synonym of 'stagger')

'fish caught by crew' is the wordplay.
'fish' becomes 'eel' (eel is a kind of fish).
'caught by' indicates putting letters inside.
'crew' becomes 'ring' (both can mean a group of people).
'eel' put inside 'ring' is 'REELING'.

(Other definitions for reeling that I've seen before include "Stunned - staggering" , "Unable properly to control one's movements" , "Dancing; staggering" , "may be off-balance" , "Staggering around" .)

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