Crossword Genius

Whistle-blower inconclusive on promise not to reveal votes (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

referenda

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

'votes' is the definition.
(referendum is a kind of vote)

'whistle-blower inconclusive on promise not' is the wordplay.
'whistle blower' becomes 'referee' (I've seen this in another clue).
'inconclusive' means to remove the last letter.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'promise not' becomes 'nda' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'referee' with its final letter removed is 'refere'.
'refere'+'nda'='REFERENDA'

'to reveal' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for referenda that I've seen before include "submissions to people" , "decisions for people" , "National ballots on specific issues" , "National votes or plebiscites (9)" , "mass votes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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.