Crossword Genius

When half of it gets mature, this can be eaten (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tripe

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

'this can be eaten' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'when half of it gets mature' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 't' (abbreviation. e.g. in 'tis) and 't' is located in the answer.
'mature' could be 'ripe' (synonyms) and 'ripe' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tripe that I've seen before include "Bunk" , "Lining of the stomach of a cow as food" , "Edible entrails" , "Rubbish (colloq.)" , "Stomach for consumption; nonsense" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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.