Crossword Genius

Startled at berk punching man suitable for flogging (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marketable

'suitable for flogging' is the definition.
(flogging can mean selling)

'startled at berk punching man' is the wordplay.
'startled' is an anagram indicator.
'punching' means one lot of letters goes inside another (some letters punch a hole in others).
'man' becomes 'male' ().
'at'+'berk'='atberk'
'atberk' is an anagram of 'rketab'.
'rketab' placed inside 'male' is 'MARKETABLE'.

(Other definitions for marketable that I've seen before include "like hot cakes, especially" , "likely to sell" , "Fit to be sold" , "appropriate for sale" , "Fit for sale; in demand" .)

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.