Crossword Genius

Start badly but get a jewel; that's the plan (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stratagem

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

'the plan' is the definition.
(stratagem is a kind of plan)

'start badly but get a jewel' is the wordplay.
'badly' indicates anagramming the letters (letters in the wrong order).
'but' becomes 'a' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'get' indicates putting letters inside.
'a jewel' becomes 'gem' ('gem' can be a synonym of 'jewel').
'start' is an anagram of 'strta'.
'strta' enclosing 'a' is 'strata'.
'strata'+'gem'='STRATAGEM'

'that's' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stratagem that I've seen before include "Cunning manoeuvre" , "A cunning plan or scheme" , "Cunning plot" , "Plan to deceive enemy" , "Ploy - start game (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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.