Crossword Genius

Vacuous actor friend enthrals Universal by means of audition (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aurally

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

'by means of audition' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'vacuous actor friend enthrals universal' is the wordplay.
'vacuous' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'enthrals' is an insertion indicator.
'universal' becomes 'U' (film certificate).
'actor' with its middle removed is 'ar'.
'ar'+'ally'='arally'
'arally' going around 'u' is 'AURALLY'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aurally that I've seen before include "Via the ear" , "connected with hearing" , "How one may learn" .)

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