Crossword Genius

Tabloid backing nation with flowers (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

garland

'flowers' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'tabloid backing nation' is the wordplay.
'tabloid' becomes 'rag' ('rag' can be a synonym of 'tabloid').
'backing' says the letters should be written backwards.
'nation' becomes 'land' ('land' can be a synonym of 'nation'**).
'rag' backwards is 'gar'.
'gar'+'land'='GARLAND'

'with' is the link.

(Other definitions for garland that I've seen before include "Floral wreath" , "Circle of flowers" , "Deck" , "Judy - - , legendary singer" , "US actress and singer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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