Crossword Genius

Substitute is excited, on edge in volatile semi (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

euphemism

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

'substitute' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'excited on edge in volatile semi' is the wordplay.
'excited on' becomes 'up' (I am not sure about the 'on' bit.).
'edge' becomes 'hem' (I've seen this before).
'in' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'volatile' indicates an anagram.
'up'+'hem'='uphem'
'semi' with letters rearranged gives 'eism'.
'uphem' going within 'eism' is 'EUPHEMISM'.

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for euphemism that I've seen before include "Milder substitute word" , "Milder term" , "Inoffensive expression substituted for one that may be offensive" , "Replacement for a term of abuse?" , "Inoffensive term used instead of an unpleasant one" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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.