Crossword Genius

Try and empty elegant basin (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bidet

'basin' is the definition.
(bidet is a kind of basin)

'try and empty elegant' is the wordplay.
'try' becomes 'bid' (bid is a kind of try).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'empty' suggests removing the centre.
'elegant' with its middle removed is 'et'.
'bid'+'et'='BIDET'

(Other definitions for bidet that I've seen before include "Bathroom appliance" , "behind cleaner" , "Bathroom facility" , "Cleaning vessel for privates" , "Type of basin" .)

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