Crossword Genius

Tanned 2 in need of a wash (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unbathed

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

'tanned 2' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adjective which matches the answer.

'in need of a wash' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'need of' becomes 'und' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'a wash' becomes 'bathe' (I've seen this before).
'und' placed around 'bathe' is 'UNBATHED'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for unbathed that I've seen is " smelly?".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.