Crossword Genius

Upset surrounding pub game (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tennis

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

'upset surrounding pub game' is the definition.
'tennis' can be an answer for 'game' (tennis is a game). I am not certain of the 'upset surrounding pub' bit.

'upset surrounding pub game' is the wordplay.
'upset' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'surrounding' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'pub' becomes 'inn' (an inn is a type of pub).
'game' becomes 'set' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'inn' going inside 'set' is 'sinnet'.
'sinnet' in reverse letter order is 'TENNIS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tennis that I've seen before include "Sent in (anag.)" , "Evil trap set up for game" , "Game that depends on service" , "Popular racquet game - anyone for it?" , "Wimbledon sport" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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.