Crossword Genius

Vice around university? Say not a word (4,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

clam up

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

'not a word' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'vice around university?' is the wordplay.
'vice' becomes 'clamp' (I've seen this before).
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'university?' becomes 'u'.
'clamp' going around 'u' is 'CLAM UP'.

'say' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for clam up that I've seen before include "Refuse to speak" , "Stop giving out" , "Go silent" , "Abruptly stop talking (colloq.)" , "'Fall silent and refuse to talk (4,2)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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