Crossword Genius

To the Yankee, a mere plaything (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

toy

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

'a mere plaything' is the definition.
'toy' can be an answer for 'plaything' (synonyms). I am not sure about the 'a mere' bit.

'to the yankee' is the wordplay.
'the yankee' becomes 'Y' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'to'+'y'='TOY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toy that I've seen before include "Teddy or Dolly" , "Trifle or dally with" , "Doll or teddy, say" , "Trifle with plaything?" , "One of spelt out words" .)

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