Crossword Genius

Talk about Daniel ends in dismal manner (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sadly

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

'talk about daniel ends in dismal manner' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'talk about daniel ends' is the wordplay.
'talk' becomes 'say' (I've seen this in another clue).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'ends' suggests removing the centre.
'daniel' with its centre removed is 'dl'.
'say' enclosing 'dl' is 'SADLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sadly that I've seen before include "With sorrow" , "Regrettably" , "Lamentably, unfortunately" , "Unhappily" , "Alas" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app