Crossword Genius

Weight of stupid one out of three authors? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dumbbell

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

'weight' is the definition.
(I know that dumbbell is a type of weight)

'of stupid one out of three authors?' is the wordplay.
'of' becomes 'o''.
'stupid one' becomes 'dumbo' (I've seen this in another clue).
'out of' is a deletion indicator.
'three authors?' becomes 'bell' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'dumbo' with 'o' taken out is 'dumb'.
'dumb'+'bell'='DUMBBELL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dumbbell that I've seen before include "Bar with weighted ends used in exercising" , "Short weighted bar for exercises - sounds stupid" , "Weight-training equipment" , "Short bar with weights for exercising (4-4)" , "Weight-training device" .)

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