Crossword Genius

What scoundrel turns up in something frilly? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ruche

'something frilly?' is the definition.
(type of fabric decoration)

'what scoundrel turns up' is the wordplay.
'what' becomes 'eh' (I've seen this in other clues).
'scoundrel' becomes 'cur' (I've seen this before).
'turns up' says the letters should be written backwards.
'eh'+'cur'='ehcur'
'ehcur' back-to-front is 'RUCHE'.

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ruche that I've seen before include "frilly lace" , "Decorative pleated strip" , "Fancy border" , "Frill of lace" , "Fabric frill or pleat" .)

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