Tory's flipping spin – a Liberal's in the dark? (9)
I believe the answer is:
nocturnal
'dark?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'tory's flipping spin a liberal's' is the wordplay.
'tory' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for Conservative).
'flipping' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'spin' becomes 'turn' (I've seen this in other clues).
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'con' written backwards gives 'noc'.
'noc'+'turn'+'a'+'l'='NOCTURNAL'
'in the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nocturnal that I've seen before include "happening at night" , "Active at night" , "Active after dark" , "Like a piece by Chopin?" , "Night-time" .)