Crossword Genius

Trial of alternative timber (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ordeal

'trial' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'alternative timber' is the wordplay.
'alternative' becomes 'or'.
'timber' becomes 'deal' (deal is a kind of timber).
'or'+'deal'='ORDEAL'

'of' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ordeal that I've seen before include "Prolonged suffering, difficult to endure" , "Difficult or arduous experience" , "Severe or trying experience" , "Severe trial" , "A difficult and harrowing experience" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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.