Crossword Genius

Syrian in a location behind barrier (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

damascene

'syrian' is the definition.
(Damascene is an example)

'a location behind barrier' is the wordplay.
'location' becomes 'scene' (scene is a kind of location**).
'behind' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'barrier' becomes 'dam' (dam is a kind of barrier).
'a'+'scene'='ascene'
'ascene' after 'dam' is 'DAMASCENE'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for damascene that I've seen before include "Syrian" , "inlaid work" , "Rich ornamentation on metal" , "steely ornamentation" , "of very ancient city" .)

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