Crossword Genius

The Tories lose nothing by such experiments (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tries

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

'such experiments' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'the tories lose nothing' is the wordplay.
'lose' is a deletion indicator.
'nothing' becomes 'O' (looks like zero - 0).
'tories' with 'o' taken away is 'TRIES'.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tries that I've seen before include "Scoring moves in rugby" , "Attempts" .)

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