Crossword Genius

Very black expression of grief (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sob

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

'expression of grief' is the definition.
'sob' can be an answer for 'expression' (I have seen 'Expression of distress' mean 'sob' so perhaps 'expression' could also mean 'sob'). I am not certain of the 'of grief' bit.

'very black' is the wordplay.
'very' becomes 'so' (both can mean 'extremely').
'black' becomes 'b' (as in pencil classifications).
'so'+'b'='SOB'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sob that I've seen before include "Cry bitterly" , "Contemptible person in North America briefly" , "Weep noisily" , "making one gasp" , "Cry loudly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.