Crossword Genius

Virginia entering picked up bow tie at first and a possible alternative (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cravat

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

'a possible alternative' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'virginia entering picked up bow tie at first' is the wordplay.
'virginia' becomes 'va' (US state abbreviation).
'entering' indicates putting letters inside.
'picked up' is a reversal indicator.
'bow' becomes 'arc' (synonyms).
'at first' says to take the initial letters.
The first letter of 'tie' is 't'.
'arc' in reverse letter order is 'cra'.
'cra'+'t'='crat'
'va' going into 'crat' is 'CRAVAT'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cravat that I've seen before include "Fine quality scarf" , "Accessory" , "A fancy old-fashioned necktie" , "Strip of fabric worn round the neck" , "Male neckwear" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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