Crossword Genius

That part of a weapon with which a novice would strike out? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hilt

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

'that part' is the definition.
(hilt is a kind of part)

'a weapon with which a novice would strike out?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'novice' could be 'l' (as in a learner driver with L-plates on their car) and 'l' is found in the answer.
'strike' could be 'hit' (synonyms) and 'hit' is located in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hilt that I've seen before include "Handle of bladed weapon" , "One may back up to this" , "Sword/dagger handle" , "Handle of a sword or dagger" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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