Crossword Genius

Wilted lettuce starter and Sprite (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

limp

'wilted' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'lettuce starter and sprite' is the wordplay.
'starter' indicates taking the first letters.
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'sprite' becomes 'imp' (imp is a kind of sprite).
The initial letter of 'lettuce' is 'l'.
'l'+'imp'='LIMP'

(Other definitions for limp that I've seen before include "obstacle to smooth progress" , "Drag a leg" , "Floppy" , "Hanging loosely - hobble" , "Feeble" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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