Crossword Genius

Tricks with right purposes (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruses

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

'with right purposes' is the wordplay.
'with' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'purposes' becomes 'uses' ('use' can be a synonym of 'purpose').
'r'+'uses' is 'RUSES'.

(Other definitions for ruses that I've seen before include "Tricks or deceptions" , "Stratagem designed to deceive" , "Clever stratagems" , "'Stratagems, tricks (5)'" , "Cunning plans" .)

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