Crossword Genius

Wide rivet passed through muzzle (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gaping

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

'wide rivet passed through muzzle' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'passed through muzzle' is the wordplay.
'passed' becomes 'pin' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'through' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters go through the word).
'muzzle' becomes 'gag' (synonyms).
'pin' inserted within 'gag' is 'GAPING'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gaping that I've seen before include "Yawning" , "With the mouth wide open, in wonder perhaps" , "Staring open-mouthed" , "Opening mouth wide or staring in wonder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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.